Antigua and Barbuda marks 15% growth in stay-over arrivals of visitors

Antigua and Barbuda: The tourism authority of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 176,665 stay-over visitors between January and June 2024. These figures mark a significant surge of 15% in stay-over arrivals of the visitors in comparison to the same period in 2023.

Notably, these mid-year tourism statistics were highlighted by the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority during a press briefing. While shedding light on the growth witnessed by the tourism sector, the authorities stated that this year has surpassed the record of the best tourism year that was pre covid in 2019 and witnessed a remarkable increase of 10%.

Along with that they mentioned about the positive impact created by T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 in bringing the large number of tourists to the country. They added that June 2024 had recorded the highest-ever month-over-month growth with a 42% increase in stay-over visitors.

The tourism authority further asserted that large number of tourists from India, Australia and South Africa came to Antigua to witness the enthralling matches of ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024.

The authorities also highlighted the growth in the cruise tourism and stated that the visitors arrived via cruise has witnessed a growth of 30% in comparison to the last year from the period of January to June.

During the press briefing, the tourism authority of Antigua and Barbuda also shed light on the positive impact of the yachting sector in enhancing the economic conditions of the country. They asserted that the increasing success of the yachting tourism has resulted in a significant boom in its business. The growth in the yachting sector automatically resulted in a positive economic impact on coastal regions and a substantial contribution to the local economy.

Also, the Tourism Authority of Antigua and Barbuda discussed several marketing initiatives with a vision to elevate the tourism sector of the country to greater heights. During the press briefing, the authorities highlighted the key source markets of the USA, UK/Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.

They also shed light on hosting new events in order to attract large number of tourists and make Antigua and Barbuda, a premier destination for all the visitors. The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, Charles Fernandez also extended gratitude to all stakeholders for their crucial contribution towards the industry’s success.