Antigua Cruise Port’s new Upland Development is expected to be completed by the end of October, clearing the way for its official opening in November.

Government officials, tourism stakeholders and members of the media toured the waterfront complex on Tuesday to assess the progress of the development, which will feature retail stores, restaurants, a day club and a pool.

The project is intended to strengthen the country’s cruise tourism product while creating additional business opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans.

Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez said he was impressed by the transformation and believes the development will rank among the Caribbean’s leading cruise port facilities.

“I have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and visited a number of cruise ports, and this cruise port ranks among the best,” Fernandez said.

He explained that cruise lines increasingly want destinations that are attractive, clean and efficiently operated.

“This is a complete transformation both the cargo port and the cruise port,” he said. “It demonstrates what can happen when you have the right partner investing the right amount of money.”

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez speaks with PM Browne and others

Fernandez said the partnership between the Government and Global Ports Holding should help Antigua and Barbuda attract more cruise operators, including high-end cruise lines whose passengers are likely to spend more within the economy.

He recalled that the waterfront was once marked by deteriorating infrastructure, rusting containers and sections of the cargo port that were falling into the sea.

“Now you see the transformation. It is beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and a really exciting project,” he said.

The minister stressed, however, that the country’s tourism product extends beyond physical infrastructure. He pointed to improvements among taxi operators, whom he described as critical tourism ambassadors.

“They are the first people visitors meet after leaving customs and immigration, and they are the last people they see before returning to the ship,” Fernandez said. “They can make or break the visitor experience.”

He said increased professionalism among taxi operators, combined with the port development, will help Antigua and Barbuda in its drive to become the Caribbean’s premier cruise destination.

Antigua Cruise Port General Manager Gasper George said construction was progressing well and the development remained on schedule.

“By the end of October, we should be completed, with the outfitting of the various stores already beginning to take shape,” George said.

He explained that the new commercial and retail village will operate as an extension of the existing cruise-port experience rather than as a competitor to Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay.

“The idea is to ensure that Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay are not disadvantaged by this new development,” George said. “We see it as an extension of the port experience, bringing new opportunities, new retail choices and additional food and beverage options.”

George said management and staff are now preparing to operationalise the complex and improve service standards throughout the port.

The development is expected to include a signature restaurant, a day club, a pool, retail outlets and visitor-information services. Residents will also be allowed to access the area, although rules governing the use of some facilities are expected to be introduced.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Freeland said the complex would enhance the on-island experience available to cruise passengers.

Micheal Freeland

“It is a breath of fresh air,” Freeland said. “It is easy to navigate, the shops are a decent size, and the entire space is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.”

He said the variety of stores would allow visitors to explore a mixture of local, regional and international offerings while enjoying a welcoming Antiguan atmosphere.

“This is something for cruise passengers to marvel at,” Freeland said. “It is the type of experience they can take back home and encourage their friends to come to Antigua and experience.”

Officials also sought to reassure local entrepreneurs that Antiguans and Barbudans would be represented within the development.