Prime Minister Gaston Browne has praised the new Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development, describing the expanding commercial complex as a major enhancement to the country’s visitor experience.

Browne toured the facility on Tuesday and expressed satisfaction with its design, layout and variety of retail spaces.

“What excites me about this place is that it is a breath of fresh air,” Browne said. “It is easy to navigate, the shops are a decent size, and they are very comfortable.”

The Prime Minister said the development would offer cruise passengers a mixture of Antiguan, Caribbean, European and American products and experiences.

PM Browne speaks with Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez

He believes the facility will leave a lasting impression on visitors, encouraging them to recommend Antigua and Barbuda to friends and relatives after returning home.

“This is something for cruise passengers to marvel at,” Browne said. “It is an experience they should go back and tell their friends to come to Antigua and experience.”

Browne also highlighted the aesthetics and spacious design of the complex, saying visitors should be able to move comfortably between the stores and other attractions.

Responding to questions about whether the development would be ready for its scheduled November opening, the Prime Minister gave assurances that the physical infrastructure would be completed.

“What I will say is that the facility itself will be completed. That is the absolute thing,” Browne said.

He explained that the available commercial spaces have already been taken and that tenants are now responsible for outfitting their individual stores in preparation for the opening.

“All of the stores that we went through this morning have been taken, so it is now left for the owners to outfit them and be ready for the opening,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that separate teams are handling preparations for the upcoming cruise season, ensuring that work on the new development does not interfere with wider operational planning.

“We have teams that are handling the cruise season. It is a separate team, so there is no overlap at all,” Browne said. “We are very much prepared for this season.”

The development is expected to include retail outlets, restaurants, a signature day club and a pool. It is being positioned as an extension of the existing visitor experience at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay.

Browne confirmed that residents would be able to access the facility, including the pool, although its use will be governed by management rules.

“In everything that we do, we have committees and management teams,” he said. “Just like anything else, there will be regulations, but of course it will be accessible to you.”

The Upland Development forms part of the Government’s partnership with Global Ports Holding to transform the St John’s waterfront, increase visitor spending and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s competitiveness as a leading Caribbean cruise destination.