CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
Antigua and Barbuda Targets Two Million Cruise Passengers as Industry Expands
Antigua and Barbuda is setting an ambitious target of two million cruise passengers annually, as the government and Global Ports Holding (GPH) push forward with major investments to expand the country’s cruise tourism sector.
Speaking on The Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Prime Minister Gaston Browne reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Antigua as a leading cruise destination in the Caribbean, with a long-term goal of doubling current passenger numbers.
“Our aspiration is to get up to about two million cruise passengers in the next few years,” PM Browne said. “With the continued expansion of our port infrastructure and home porting services, we are well on our way to achieving that.”
Antigua has already made significant strides in cruise tourism, with over one million passengers arriving annually. The next phase of expansion includes:
- Completion of a new state-of-the-art cruise terminal at the Fifth Berth, expected by October 2026.
- A modernized home porting program, which has grown from 6,000 turnaround passengers to 20,000 in just three years.
- Expansion of luxury cruise offerings, targeting high-spending passengers and mega-yacht tourism.
- Infrastructure upgrades, including improved road networks and passenger facilities.
“We are investing in a world-class cruise experience, ensuring that Antigua remains an attractive destination for both cruise lines and visitors,” said Gasper George, General Manager of GPH Antigua.
Antigua’s home porting sector is one of the fastest-growing areas of its cruise industry, attracting more passengers who start and end their cruises in Antigua and Barbuda.
“The increase from 6,000 to 20,000 turnaround passengers in just three years proves that home porting is a game changer for our economy,” George said.
The government expects home porting numbers to continue rising with:
- More airlift connectivity to bring passengers from key markets.
- Expansion of cruise line partnerships, particularly with European operators.
- Enhanced port facilities to streamline passenger embarkation and disembarkation.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHAT’S APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Two million passengers? That’s big! But we need to make sure the island’s infrastructure can handle it.
Two million, huh? Hope the government has some plans for expanding services and facilities to keep up.
Antigua’s tourism sector getting serious! Let’s just hope the small businesses see a real boost from this.
Two million passengers? Let’s see how we can make sure our people benefit, not just the big companies.
Big numbers, but how will the local community be prepared for the increase? Let’s not forget about our residents.