Minister Fernandez Says Strong Bookings Point to Promising 2026/2027 Tourism Season

Antigua and Barbuda is heading into the 2026/2027 tourism season with a strong pipeline of advance bookings, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says, despite concerns about rising oil prices and the potential impact on travel costs.

Fernandez made the comments on Friday while addressing the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association’s annual job fair, as tourism stakeholders prepare for another busy season.

He said the government remains mindful of the risks posed by oil prices climbing above US$100 a barrel, particularly because higher fuel costs can translate into more expensive airfares.

However, Fernandez said Antigua and Barbuda’s positioning as a high-end tourism destination could help cushion the impact.

He argued that travellers choosing premium destinations may be less sensitive to increases in airfare than those travelling to destinations that primarily attract budget-conscious visitors.

The upcoming season is also expected to create new employment opportunities.

Fernandez highlighted the planned opening of Moon Gate Hotel & Spa on November 15, which is expected to employ more than 100 people.

The Tourism Minister also identified sports tourism as an area the government wants to expand, pointing to Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s indication that Antigua and Barbuda intends to make an offer to host the Caribbean Premier League in 2027.

The comments come as the local tourism sector continues to report strong performance. Antigua and Barbuda recorded 179,943 stay-over visitors during the first six months of 2026, according to figures shared by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association.

With the new season approaching, tourism officials and industry stakeholders are now focused on maintaining visitor demand while preparing for higher operating and travel costs in the international market.