Big Developments In Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda’s tourist trade is receiving a helping hand from China and Sandals among others. Tourism Minister Asot Michael told a Toronto gathering Friday that Antigua has signed an agreement with a Chinese firm for a US$2-billion resort development that will include five-star hotels, a golf course, conference centre and casino.

As well, early next year will see work start on a 400-room Beaches resort on an island that’s already home to a Sandals. Michael said that a new airport terminal will open in March and be the largest in the Eastern Caribbean and have VIP lounges and high-end duty-free shops.

“The new terminal will greatly improve the visitor experience, with the potential for us to double the current capacity of visitors that pass through our international airport …” he said.

“With the imminent opening of our new airport terminal and with hotel projects on the horizon, we are courting our travel partners to increase their Antigua tourism product allotment. This would be ideal in propelling demand for the building momentum of resort properties that we are enjoying.”

Antigua has seen “well over 20%” growth in Canadian tourism arrivals for each of the past three years, he added. Seen here are Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Michael; Anne-Marie Layne, Antigua and Barbauda’s consul general in Toronto; and Rohan Hector, special advisor to the minister.