Antigua and Barbuda Sees Record-Breaking Tourism Growth as Caribbean Travel Marketplace Wraps Up

Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating another strong boost in tourism arrivals following the successful staging of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2026.

The twin-island nation hosted the region’s premier tourism trade event for the second consecutive year, welcoming travel professionals, tour operators, airline representatives and international media throughout May as part of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month.

Tourism officials say the event not only showcased the destination’s tourism product, but also came amid record-breaking visitor growth for the country.

Speaking during a press conference held during the conference, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James revealed that the country recorded 110,832 stay-over visitors during the first quarter of 2026.

The figure represents a 6.7 percent increase over the same period last year, when Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 103,843 visitors.

March recorded the strongest gains, with arrivals climbing eight percent to 38,097 visitors. January arrivals rose five percent to 36,052, while February increased six percent to 36,133.

Officials said the United Kingdom posted the largest increase among source markets, growing by 14 percent during the quarter. The United States continues to dominate as Antigua and Barbuda’s largest tourism market, accounting for nearly half of all stay-over arrivals.

Tourism growth is also being reflected in the cruise sector. Officials are forecasting a 21.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals this year, with projections nearing 895,000 visitors in 2026.

The increase comes alongside expanded cruise operations and the opening of a new US$30 million cruise terminal earlier this year under the Upland Development Project.

Several new air routes are also strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s regional and international connectivity. Sunrise Airways recently launched flights between Antigua and the Dominican Republic, while LIAT Air introduced service to Guadeloupe. Nigerian carrier Air Peace is expected to begin service between Antigua and Lagos via Barbados later this month.

Officials also highlighted a number of major tourism investments currently under development, including new luxury hotel projects in both Antigua and Barbuda.

Attention is now turning toward the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host in November. Thousands of delegates, officials and journalists are expected to attend the international summit.

Tourism authorities say the country remains focused on sustainable and high-value tourism, while continuing efforts to preserve the natural environment through projects such as the restoration of Redonda and marine conservation initiatives.