Tourism Minister Max Fernandez speaks at ABLP 2026 Manifesto Launch (photo by Wayne Mariette)
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has positioned the sector at the heart of the country’s economic future, declaring it the “driving force behind the Renaissance” as the government rolls out its latest development agenda.
Speaking at the launch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s manifesto, Fernandez underscored the central role tourism continues to play in national growth, employment, and investment, describing it as far more than just an industry.
“Tourism is not merely an industry… it is the lifeblood of our economy. It is the engine of growth, the foundation of thousands of livelihoods, and one of the strongest pillars supporting our national development,” Fernandez said.
The minister pointed to the sector’s strong rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has not only recovered but, in some areas, exceeded pre-pandemic performance levels.
“Visitor arrivals by both air and sea have rebounded strongly, with our country not only recovering lost ground, but in many instances surpassing pre-pandemic performance,” he said.
He revealed that February alone saw more than 35,000 air arrivals, while the cruise sector has already welcomed over 800,000 passengers for the current season — figures he described as “powerful indicators” of international confidence in the destination.
“These are not small numbers. These are powerful indicators of the confidence in Antigua and Barbuda,” Fernandez stressed.
BILLIONS IN TOURISM INVESTMENT
Fernandez outlined an aggressive pipeline of tourism-related developments, with approximately US$1.5 billion in investment expected over the next two to three years.
Among the major projects highlighted were:
• The US$465 million One & Only development at Half Moon Bay
• The US$40 million Buckingham Beach project
• US$400 million Nikki Beach residences
• A new Marriott hotel at Yepton Beach
• Upgrades to VC Bird International Airport valued at US$55 million
• A US$40 million waterfront development
• A US$23 million local brewery venture
“These represent unprecedented investment in scale and impact,” he said, adding that the projects will generate construction jobs, long-term employment, and expanded opportunities for local businesses.
CRUISE AND AIRLIFT EXPANSION
The Tourism Minister also highlighted major improvements in cruise infrastructure, noting that Antigua and Barbuda can now accommodate up to five of the world’s largest cruise ships simultaneously.
He said cruise arrivals have surged from just over 500,000 passengers in 2013 to well over one million today, signaling sustained growth in the sector.
“Tourism is jobs for people. It is income for families. It is opportunity for entrepreneurs,” Fernandez said, pointing to the direct benefits for taxi drivers, hotel workers, vendors, and small business operators.
GLOBAL EVENTS AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
Beyond traditional tourism, Fernandez emphasized the country’s growing reputation as a hub for international conferences and major events.
He confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda will host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Marketplace and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026 — events expected to boost visibility and economic activity.
“These events do more than fill hotel rooms. They elevate our global profile, strengthen our diplomacy, support small businesses, and expand economic activity year-round,” he said.
FOCUS ON INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Fernandez stressed that the government’s vision is not simply about increasing visitor numbers, but ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared across communities.
“We are ensuring that the gains from tourism are not concentrated in a few places, but are shared across communities throughout this country,” he said.
He added that future plans will focus on building a more diversified, resilient, and sustainable tourism sector that can withstand global shocks while delivering long-term opportunities for citizens.
“The future of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda will be more diversified, more resilient, and more closely linked to local benefit,” Fernandez declared.
“WE ARE BUILDING EXPANSION”
Framing the government’s approach as proactive and forward-looking, Fernandez said the country is no longer reacting to global trends but actively shaping its tourism future.
“We are not managing decline. We are building expansion. We are not reacting to change — we are shaping it,” he said.
As the manifesto sets the tone for the upcoming election, Fernandez made it clear that tourism will remain a cornerstone of economic policy, with continued investment, innovation, and job creation at the forefront of the government’s agenda.
“Tourism has brought us this far, but vision will take us further,” he added.
It’s time that we stop leaning so much in tourism and passport brokerage, and strengthen our agricultural industry and other industries.
Also, if tourism is so important, why isn’t stewardship, national pride and environmental protection not taught heavily in schools from primary level and drummed into our ears on all media platforms daily? Why isn’t littering and illegal dumping not strictly punished? Why is St. John’s a embarrassing disappointment to behold? Why are taxi drivers shown in the media reports hunched over and even sleeping in customer service training meetings? Why are they brazenly fighting over passengers in front of tourists at Heritage Quay?
Why is it almost impossible for conscientious tour operators to purchase liability insurance from local insurance companies?
I can go on and on. For a tourism-first nation, we are sadly lacking.