Antigua & Barbuda celebrates record 2024 arrivals

The Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) celebrated 2024 as an exceptional year for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda during a ‘Year in Review’ Press Conference highlighting key achievements during the year.

According to the latest data presented at the press conference, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed over 330, 281 stay-over visitors for the year and over 823,955 cruise passengers, surpassing previous records, and the 2019 pre-covid benchmark year. The United States market led the growth in stayover arrivals, with strong performances also from the United Kingdom & Europe, Caribbean & LATAM, and Canada markets.

“Our growth in 2024 is a direct result of our efforts to strengthen connectivity, position Antigua and Barbuda as a regional hub with two international airports, expand our hotel and accommodation offerings, invest in human capital, and stay on top our game,” said Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, civil aviation, transportation and investment. “I want to recognize all the work that has been done by the teams at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and to our stakeholders whose collaborations and dedication have made this success possible.”

Significant airlift expansion & added hotels

Antigua and Barbuda saw significant expansion in airlift during 2024, with increased service from American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, as well as the return of Condor and the introduction of Sunrise Airways. British Airways also increased service to the destination.

The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association reported increased hotel occupancy in 2024, exceeding that of 2019, highlighting the growing demand for the accommodation product in Antigua and Barbuda.

The cruise sector also flourished.  Increased homeporting operations led by the Antigua Cruise Port and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority were noted, with further expansion expected in 2025.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James said, “2025 promises even more with the first quarter of the year, bringing increased cruise calls for Antigua and Barbuda and more airlift, with Frontier set to launch its inaugural San Juan – Antigua service on Feb. 15, 2025.