Representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) have briefed Cabinet on the country’s accommodation capacity ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for November of this year, with officials expressing confidence that the destination can absorb the expected influx of more than 5,000 delegates.

ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall and Executive Director Patrice Christian-Simon were invited to the Cabinet to provide an update on confirmed bookings, ongoing discussions with Commonwealth member states, and current room allocations across the destination.

The meeting is expected to draw heads of government, senior officials, and members of the royal household from 56 Commonwealth member states, with some individual delegations expected to exceed 200 persons.

Director General for Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, described the session as a robust discussion that held the attention of Cabinet members.

Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant (screenshot of state media)

“It is very important that if you are inviting 5,000 persons for a conference to Antigua and Barbuda, the key on the minds of the organisers, being the government, would be where would we put them,” Merchant said.

Among the confirmed arrangements, more than 200 rooms at the Royalton resort have already been earmarked for delegates.

Other major hotels have commenced discussions with Commonwealth member states and have begun blocking rooms for the occasion.

Merchant said the ABHTA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government to ensure the event’s successful hosting.

The association indicated confidence that, with the inclusion of smaller properties across the destination, accommodation requirements can be met.

“Barring a significant increase from 5,000 delegates to maybe 8,000 or 9,000 individuals, they believe that they are able to absorb that capacity,” Merchant said.

One of the complicating factors is the timing of the summit.

CHOGM falls at the start of Antigua and Barbuda’s winter tourism season, creating a dual demand on the country’s room stock.

Merchant noted that the ABHTA and its members would need to strike a balance between accommodating Commonwealth delegations and maintaining availability for repeat and new leisure visitors.

“The use of a cruise ship to supplement accommodation remains under consideration. “That is still on the cards,” Merchant confirmed.

Cabinet agreed that the ABHTA will provide regular briefings in the months ahead as booking commitments from member states become clearer.