Tourism Boom: Antigua Welcomes Record 1.1 Million Visitors in 2024
Antigua and Barbuda recorded its highest-ever visitor arrivals in 2024, reaching 1.1 million tourists. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in his New Year’s Day address, said the achievement reflects the nation’s progress in recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
“This milestone, delayed only by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates our resilience and upward trajectory,” Browne said.
The tourism figures include 824,000 cruise passengers and 21,000 yacht visitors, alongside a significant number of international and regional arrivals by air. Browne noted that the island’s expanded air connectivity was pivotal in reaching this milestone.
“American Airlines now operates four daily flights to Antigua without subsidies, alongside other carriers like Delta, JetBlue, United, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways, which have strengthened our global connectivity,” he stated.
Barbuda’s newly opened airport also played a role, welcoming high-net-worth individuals on private jets. Browne highlighted Barbuda’s recognition by travel guide Frommer’s as one of the “Best Places to Go in 2025,” describing it as a rising luxury destination.
“Tourism empowers our people,” Browne remarked, citing local ownership of 450 small tourism enterprises and 85% of Airbnb accommodations. He emphasized the economic impact of the sector, which has contributed to an estimated $6 billion economy and the highest per capita income in the country’s history.
Browne attributed these achievements to the efforts of Antiguans and Barbudans, saying they reflect a collective commitment to national development.
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While all these good things are supposedly taking place here, the islands infrastructure is deteriorating day by day the city is fastly becoming a slum. Night life in St John’s is non existent, the visitors have no where to go except for after dinner entertainment at the hotels where they stay and all this prosperity is only being felt by the uppercrats. What about the others, the little man and woman who keeps this country functioning? They too have a story to tell.
Hon P.M. Gaston Browne. Growth and success must be accompanied by aggressively addressing education and the infrastructure. Roads, sidewalks, traffic safety and utilities.
Stone, this activity, and a strong economy, stimulates employment, and provides opportunity for all Antigua Residents.
Best wishes for 2025 and beyond.
Stone is probably some paid UPP hack who lives in America. Always chatting crap that doesn’t line up with reality.
For example “Night life in St John’s is non existent”. No one who actually lives here would say that. The nightlife scene has become more diverse than ever. There are even hookah bars, Atlanta style. Redcliffe street is always buzzing with LOCALS. And yes the tourists join in too especially if they are on a cruise where the ship is overnighting (we are getting more of those than ever before).
Get real you delusional UPP losers! Put those two brain cells to work and come up with meaningful criticisms and recommendations.
WONDERFUL NEWS 🎊 🙌🏾 🇦🇬