Antigua’s Tourism Exceeds Forecasts, Further Growth Projected

Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry has recorded growth exceeding projections of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). The CTO forecasted the growth rate for last year at between one and two percent, but the destination has recorded a 3.2 percent increase in the number of stay over visitors.

Research Officer in the Ministry of Tourism Patrice Skerrit said the main source markets were the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and the Caribbean, even though there was a decline in Caribbean visitors to the twin island state.

“Generally there were marked increases from all of these source markets with the exception of the Caribbean. The United Kingdom increased by 8.08 percent, the United States by 7.08, Canada by 4.34 while there was a recorded decline of 14.71 in Caribbean visitors,” Mrs. Skerrit explained.

Overall, cruise visitor arrivals recorded a phenomenal increase of 42.65 percent while yacht visitors increased by 14.65 percent. Meantime, the industry is projecting further growth this year as much as five percent, with anticipated strong performances coming out of Europe.

Acting Director General of Tourism, Corthwright Marshall said although the United States market is expected to have a negative impact on global travel, officials are satisfied that the United Kingdom and the European Market will remain fairly strong.

He added that the Ministry of Tourism will be placing emphasis on product development and marketing Antigua and Barbuda as a tourist destination.