Tourism Minister Max Fernandez is being credited with playing a key role in the sustained growth of the country’s taxi industry, according to the President of the United Taxi Company, Ian Joseph.

Joseph said over the past decade, the expansion of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector—particularly increased airline arrivals and hotel development—has translated into steady business for taxi operators, especially those based at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

He pointed to Minister Fernandez’s leadership as a driving force behind the industry’s progress, highlighting the strong working relationship between taxi operators and the tourism authorities.

“We’ve had an open-door policy with the tourism department,” Joseph said, noting that operators have been able to raise concerns and access support without barriers.

Joseph described taxi drivers as frontline ambassadors for the destination and said the support extended by the tourism ministry has helped strengthen the sector’s ability to deliver quality service to visitors.

He also recalled assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, when government initiatives helped ease financial pressures on drivers during a period of reduced travel.

According to Joseph, these interventions demonstrated the government’s recognition of the importance of taxi operators within the broader tourism ecosystem.

With visitor arrivals continuing to rise, Joseph said the industry remains optimistic about future growth, while emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between the tourism ministry and service providers to sustain momentum.