Antigua And Barbuda Continue To See Growth

Tourism types in Antigua and Barbuda are continuing to see growth in tourism air arrivals.

Results from the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism for August 2021indicate that stayover air arrivals totaled 18,792 visitors to the destination, an increase of 965 visitors over August 2018 which previously held the record of “best” August with 17,827 visitors.

The US and UK markets remain the source for the majority of the visitors. Both markets combined brought a total of 17,306 visitors or 92% of the total visitors arriving in August 2021.

The US market continues to dominate as the main source market with 52.5% of the total visitor arrivals while the UK, Antigua and Barbuda’s second largest source market contributed 39.5% of the total visitor arrivals.

Flights from Canada are expected to resume in November, while within the Caribbean region, airlift began to pick-up with increased service from Caribbean Airlines and other carriers.

Speaking on the growth, Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, attributed this to Antigua and Barbuda’s strong airlift performance for the month of August from the UK market.

The Minister noted that: “The month of August saw a record number of seats available from the UK.  The all-time high capacity out of the UK for the month of August along with the fact that the flights were operating from and to the two main airports, London Heathrow and London Gatwick, not only made it more convenient for travel from and to London; but it also allowed for more convenient connections from and to cities in Europe.”

He pointed out that: “We also continue to see a steady growth from the dominant US market, which has aided in boosting our August Arrivals.  This is despite reduced airlift capacity from the US, for the month of August when compared to July.”

Earlier this year, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority released new advertising within all its source markets for Antigua and Barbuda’s ‘Your Space In The Sun’ campaign, which highlights the twin-islands’ uncrowded beaches, outdoor attractions, and airy accommodation.

The Tourism Authority alongside the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism have also strongly promoted the message of safety amongst industry partners and visitors through its ‘Sun, Sea, Safe’ campaign.

“Looking ahead to the Winter 2021, we continue to stress the importance of adherence to protocols by visitors and industry partners and vaccination awareness,” said the tourism minister.

Go to www.visitantiguabarbuda.com for more.