Why should clients choose Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is the only Caribbean destination with 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Only eight hours away from the UK, it’s always been a popular spot for Brits and Europeans in particular.
The country is known as the yachting capital of the Caribbean. Clients can explore Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, the oldest operating dockyard in the world.
Antigua offers a host of active experiences, from sailing and hiking to water sports.
Our famous cricketers Sir Viv Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Richie Richardson really help us to position the destination on the world stage, too.
What’s new for 2025?
Barbuda International Airport (BIA) opened in October, which is a game changer and will boost international flights to the island in 2025. There have mainly been private jets coming into the island because Barbuda is distinguishing itself as a high-end spot for the rich and famous. Antigua and Barbuda is the only country in the Caribbean that has a Nobu Restaurant. Plus, Princess Diana Beach is perfect for folks who are looking for a luxurious, quiet getaway among 17 miles of unbroken pink sand.
There is also an up-and-coming cultural scene with Restaurant Week and Art Week. These are two new events taking pride of place on our calendar, which have been going remarkably well. Held from May 4-18, Restaurant Week is a two-week event focusing on Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture. Highlights include prix fixe menus and elevated experiences from celebrity guest chefs. Art Week, meanwhile, is held from November 26-December 2. The week-long festival features music, fashion, spoken word and dance from across the twin-island nation.
The Caribbean Travel Marketplace will be held in Antigua and Barbuda for the very first time, too. The country is looking forward to welcoming 1,500 travel and hospitality partners from around the globe.
We have excellent airlift out of the UK, with daily flights from British Airways and four weekly services from Virgin Atlantic. A new Condor service from Frankfurt in Germany has also been recently launched.
How are you working with the travel trade?
We have countless opportunities for agents to be trained as Antigua and Barbuda experts. Last week, we hosted the Black Pineapple Awards in Antigua. This awards show rewards 100 top sellers with an all-expenses-paid incentive trip, including the airfare and hotel, as well as all tours and excursions. Agents will be housed, wined and dined in Antigua and given a special award to show our appreciation for all the hard work that they do in selling two of the most beautiful islands in the world.
What are visitor numbers like?
Our visitor numbers have been very strong this year. 2019 was our best year, with over 300,000 arrivals and over a million visitors. This year, we were up by 16% at the end of October on all 2019 numbers. We’re really looking to surpass that year.
I can confidently say that 2024 will be the best year for Antigua’s tourism ever. That has a lot to do with the people who sell the destination. We’re eternally grateful for their support. Our daily rates tend to be higher than a lot of other destinations. That means more commission and revenue for our travel partners – that’s something that we are particularly proud of.
