Antigua and Barbuda reports Q1 tourism growth

Antigua and Barbuda wrapped up Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 with new tourism growth figures, expanded air service and several hotel and infrastructure updates.

The destination hosted the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s annual trade event for the second consecutive year, welcoming travel trade professionals, tour operators and media during Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace connects international tour operators, travel agents and airline partners with Caribbean tourism stakeholders for business appointments, networking and destination updates.

At a press conference during the event, minister of tourism, civil aviation, transportation and investment Charles H. Fernández and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James reported that the destination recorded 110,832 stay-over arrivals in Q1 2026, up from 103,843 in the same period in 2025. 

That represents a 6.7 per cent year-over-year increase. Growth was reported across all three months. 

January arrivals rose five per cent to 36,052, February increased six per cent to 36,133 and March posted the strongest gain, up eight per cent to 38,097 visitors.

The United Kingdom led source-market growth in Q1, with a 14 per cent increase over the same period last year.

For the quarter, the United States remained the destination’s largest source market, accounting for 46 per cent of stay-over arrivals. 

Europe accounted for 34 per cent, followed by Canada at 12 per cent, the Caribbean at five per cent, Latin America at one per cent and other markets at two per cent.

The destination is pursuing growth from Latin America and Africa as emerging markets.

Cruise growth forecast

Antigua and Barbuda is also forecasting growth in cruise arrivals for 2026.

The destination projects a 21.9 per cent increase, with cruise arrivals expected to reach 894,469, compared to 733,526 in 2019.

Cruise ship calls are expected to increase from 388 to 483 over the same period, supported in part by increased home-porting activity.

A new USD $30 million cruise terminal opened on Jan. 24, 2026, as part of the broader Upland Development Project. 

The project is intended to modernize the visitor arrival experience and expand cruise capacity, with full completion expected by July 2026.

Air access and infrastructure

New air routes are also expanding access to the destination.

Sunrise Airways launched twice-weekly service between Antigua and the Dominican Republic on May 1, while Liat Air began twice-weekly flights to Guadeloupe on May 8.

Air Peace is scheduled to launch service from Antigua to Lagos via Barbados on May 25, operating twice monthly.

Infrastructure work is also underway at V.C. Bird International Airport, where runway rehabilitation and expansion are in progress.

On Barbuda, the newly opened Burton-Nibbs International Airport has been built to support the island’s growing eco-luxury tourism segment.

Hotel development

Several accommodation projects are also in the pipeline.

Moon Gate Hotel & Spa is scheduled to open in 2026 with 71 suites across nine buildings and seven two-bedroom villas.

On Barbuda, Nobu Beach Inn is under construction and expected to be completed in late 2026.

Looking further ahead, Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, which will include 84 hotel rooms and 127 luxury residences, is targeting a 2029 opening.

Rosewood Hotel Barbuda, with 50 resort suites and 35 residences, is slated for 2028.

A Marriott Leisure World Hotel with 114 keys and eight overwater villas is also in development.

Hosting major events

Antigua and Barbuda was recently named the “Caribbean’s Best Meetings and Conference Destination” by the World Travel Awards.

The destination is also preparing to host the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from Nov. 1-4 under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

Between 3,000 and 5,000 delegates, participants and media are expected to attend.

Antigua and Barbuda will be the first CHOGM host to include a concert and cricket tournament in the official program.

The destination also pointed to conservation measures, including the Redonda island restoration project, reef protection initiatives, anti-overfishing oversight and efforts to increase local community participation in tourism.

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