The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is banking on renewed regional connectivity to boost visitor arrivals during the slower summer tourism season, with officials hopeful that direct LIAT Air flights from Guadeloupe will deliver a major boost to Antigua Carnival and hotel occupancy.

Speaking to reporters in Guadeloupe on Friday, Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America Charmaine Browne-Spencer said the return of direct flights between Antigua and the French West Indies comes at a critical time for the tourism industry.

“We’re looking forward to this Guadeloupe connection, especially over the summer months for Carnival,” Browne-Spencer said.

She noted that Caribbean travelers traditionally play a major role in Antigua’s carnival celebrations and said tourism officials are now aggressively working to ensure the flights remain viable throughout the season.

“Generally, those are the people that we see more actively engage in our carnival,” she explained.

The LIAT Air service now operates twice weekly between Antigua and Guadeloupe on Fridays and Sundays.

Browne-Spencer said officials are optimistic that the easier access will encourage more regional travel at a time when global tourism markets continue facing uncertainty.

“With all the geopolitical problems going on in the international markets, we’re hoping that our regional brothers and sisters will come and support us and support our activities and cultural festivities,” she said.

She also described Antigua Carnival as “the greatest summer carnival,” while stressing the importance of maintaining strong regional visitor arrivals during traditionally slower tourism months.

Tourism officials believe the combination of direct air service and expanded ferry operations between Antigua and Guadeloupe could significantly increase arrivals from the French Caribbean this summer.