August set a new record for visitor arrivals, making it the best August on record.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez announced today that Antigua and Barbuda welcomed an unprecedented number of visitors by air, cruise, and yacht, further establishing its reputation as a top destination.
Fernandez attributed the success to the efforts of tourism partners and the islands’ appeal, including stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
He emphasized the commitment to sustainable tourism while preserving the nation’s beauty and heritage.
Key statistics include air arrivals: 2019 – 17,668, 2023 – 20,038, 2024 – 24,240; cruise arrivals: 2019 – 9,617, 2023 – 10,648, 2024 – 10,843. Yachting figures are pending.
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It is full time that as a nation we see more tangible evidence of a growing tourism sector. Our roads are deplorable, water still inconsistent and electricity shortages far too often. I believe that the government is not collecting the right amount of revenues from the hotels.
Then the hotels are not propelling qualified Antiguans to middle and top management positions.
Let me further explain. I will take a look at there hotels plants. The first Curtain Bluff – this is a home grown establishment. The Curtain Bluff hotel has been in the development of Antiguan. They have provided top scholarships in hotels management, accounting, sports etc. Curtin Bluff has made remarkable contributions to the community of Old Road where it is located.
Now let’s take a look at the Royals….- almost wholesale importation of foreign workers. Mostly from Mexico, Dominican Republic, St.Lucia and Jamaica- cleaners , maintenance, security, pool attendants, gardeners , entertainment workers, house band at Chic . At these hotels Antiguan holds very little management positions if ant at all. There hotel have built houses or bungalows in our water , blocking off portions of our beaches- especially at Halcyon , the northern portion is completely blocked off. So we give all these tax exemption, give up prime real estate and all these people do is line their pocket. No social programs.
The government needs to audit these hotels properly. With all the increase in arrivals it is not translating into the right amount of taxes. That is one reason why they don’t want Antiguas in accounting positions. GB I know you are an intelligent leader. Check that out yourself. You send anyone of your weaklings and they will sell out for a fed free meals.
Many of us came home for CARNIVAL in AUGUST.So what the hell did you expected? See your numbers for September.
BUGSY- I wish the statistics are correlated. It is my humble belief that the amount of Antiguan that return home for Carnival is not that impactful as you may think.
Also I have noted that due to the hurricane season and increasing in amount of hurricanes and storms people have cut back in traveling to the Caribbean during the hurricane season. September being the peak .
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