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Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) Chairman Craig Marshall says the island’s short-term rental sector has expanded by nearly 60 percent in just four years — a surge he believes the tourism industry must embrace as travel preferences evolve.
Speaking on the government’s weekly program Government in Motion, Marshall said the rapid growth of Airbnb-style accommodations reflects a global shift toward more personalized and flexible travel options.
“In terms of our short-term rentals, we’ve seen close to 60 percent growth within the space of three to four years,” Marshall said. “That’s what people want. We need to embrace that and ensure that our investments and policies support a tourism model where everyone can succeed.”
Marshall, who also serves as Regional Commercial Director for Blue Diamond Resorts, said the trend should not be seen as a threat to traditional hotels but as part of a broader tourism ecosystem that gives more locals a chance to participate in the industry.
“Tourism is everyone’s business,” he said. “The more we include local homeowners and small investors, the stronger and more resilient our industry becomes.”
His remarks come as the government works to diversify Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offerings through infrastructure upgrades, expanded airlift, and workforce training programs. Officials have also hinted at potential regulatory reforms to ensure that short-term rentals meet safety and quality standards while maintaining fair competition with established hotels.
Marshall said the rise of alternative lodging underscores the need for policies that balance innovation with consistency. “Travelers today are looking for authentic experiences,” he said. “We must evolve to meet that demand while maintaining the high standards that define Antigua and Barbuda’s brand.”
Tourism analysts note that if properly managed, the growth of short-term rentals could help spread economic benefits beyond resort zones — creating new income streams for residents and reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a dynamic, inclusive destination.
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Craig Marshall seems sincere in his belief that the Tourism industry and the Government, has to do a better job with getting more economic benefits to trickle down throughout the country.
Antigua and Barbuda economic model has never been about better economic distribution.
The idea of local benefiting sounds good and benevolent on the surface. But who are these locals?
Many luxury builders of multi-units and single family executive type homes are offering CIP as a purchasing incentive.
These developers are not locals. That’s where the increase in short term rentals are coming from.
Marshall is right when he said “the rise of alternative lodging underscores the need for policies that balance innovation with consistency. Travelers today are looking for authentic experiences. We must evolve to meet that demand while maintaining the high standards that define Antigua and Barbuda’s brand.”
So while there is an increase in short term rentals I would argue it’s not among that portion of the population who are considered “locals”.
The author goes on to say:
“Tourism analysts note that if properly managed, the growth of short-term rentals could help spread economic benefits beyond resort zones — creating new income streams for residents and reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a dynamic, inclusive destination”.
I would argue that the so-called Tourism analyst knows little or nothing about the situation; therefore there understanding of distribution of economic resources are flawed.
They also seem not to understand the meaning of “Includive”
When the true locals (not those who did not migrate to Antigua and Barbuda) are left out; Inclusivity does not apply to Tourism in the Antigua and Barbuda’s brand.
I truly believe Mr. Marshall means well as should be applauded; but the facts and analysis and conclusions of the article are false and misleading