Freeland Heads to Monaco to Promote Antigua and Barbuda’s Yachting Sector

PRESS RELEASE 

Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Michael Freeland left Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday to represent the country at the 35th Monaco Yacht Show; one of the world’s most influential gatherings for the luxury yachting industry.

The four-day event, scheduled for September 23 to 26 at Port Hercule, will place Freeland in direct contact with yacht owners, charter brokers, shipbuilders, captains, designers, investors and marine-service companies from across the globe.

Antigua and Barbuda’s participation has traditionally been led by Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez. This year, Freeland will carry the country’s message to Monaco as the government seeks to strengthen its presence in the high-value yachting market and attract more vessels, charter clients and marine investment to the destination.

More than 560 exhibitors are expected to participate in the show, while approximately 120 superyachts will be displayed, including 43 vessels delivered in 2026. The on-water exhibition will also feature more than 60 luxury tenders and some of the newest yachts available for purchase, charter and private inspection.

Wednesday’s opening will cater primarily to invited guests and Prestige VIP pass holders, while the show will welcome its wider audience from Thursday through Saturday. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the first three days and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The 2026 programme will go beyond displaying luxury vessels. Leading international shipyards, brokerage firms, naval architects, yacht-management companies, equipment manufacturers and marine-technology providers will showcase their latest products and services.

An expanded Adventure Area will feature approximately 70 tenders, along with water toys, marine accessories, high-performance equipment and luxury vehicles. Conferences will also examine emerging trends in yacht design, new technology and environmentally responsible operations.

Sustainability will be a major part of the programme through the Blue Wake initiative, which highlights solutions aimed at reducing emissions, improving material durability and recyclability, protecting marine ecosystems and making the construction and operation of yachts more environmentally responsible. Sixty exhibitors have qualified for the programme this year.

For Antigua and Barbuda, the Monaco Yacht Show provides an opportunity to promote the twin-island state as more than a picturesque cruising destination. Freeland will be able to highlight its established marinas, historic harbours, marine-service professionals, provisioning companies and the world-renowned sailing environment surrounding English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour.

The country is already an important winter base for yachts crossing the Atlantic from Europe. A stronger presence in Monaco could help convert industry relationships into additional charter calls, longer stays and increased participation in events such as the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and Antigua Sailing Week.

The benefits could extend well beyond yacht owners. Each visiting vessel creates economic activity for marina operators, taxi drivers, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, fuel suppliers, maintenance companies, tradespeople and dozens of other businesses supporting the marine sector.

Freeland’s attendance will also allow Antigua and Barbuda to hold discussions with charter brokers and yacht managers who influence where vessels travel and spend the winter season. Those connections are critical because recommendations made by brokers, captains and management companies can determine which Caribbean destinations are included in luxury charter itineraries.

The Monaco assignment therefore represents both a promotional and business-development mission. Antigua and Barbuda will be competing for attention alongside other established yachting destinations, making the country’s presence important as it seeks to protect and expand its share of the lucrative global market.

The show opens Wednesday and concludes Saturday, September 26.