St. John’s, Antigua (December 23, 2024) Antigua and Barbuda marked a historic milestone over the weekend. On Saturday, December 21st, V.C. Bird International Airport welcomed an impressive total of 51 flights, comprising 13 international flights, 35 regional flights, and 3 small private charters. This achievement underscores the twin-island nation’s growing reputation as a leading destination in global tourism.
The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, stated, “The record-breaking achievement at V.C. Bird International Airport marks a historic milestone, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a premier travel destination. As we celebrate this significant accomplishment, I am optimistic about a promising future filled with new opportunities and sustained success in the global tourism industry”.
Antigua and Barbuda CEO, Colin James commented, “The recent surge in air arrivals reflects the success of the government’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, targeted marketing campaigns, and strong partnerships with global airlines. These initiatives, coupled with efforts to elevate the visitor experience, have solidified Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a competitive force in the ever-evolving tourism industry”. He continued, “The unprecedented activity at the airport highlights a stellar year for Antigua and Barbuda, marking one of the most successful periods in its tourism history”.
Simultaneously, Caribbean Journal, the world’s largest website dedicated to covering the region, in their 2025 Travel Awards Winners, recognized the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) as the Caribbean’s Tourist Board of the Year. “Under the leadership of CEO Colin C. James, the ABTA has become a shining example of a proactive, innovative, and creative Caribbean tourism organization. Their work continues to drive Antigua and Barbuda’s impressive rise as a global travel destination”, the Journal reported. CEO James expressed his gratitude in response to the accolade, stating, “The success of the ABTA is a testament to the teamwork of our entire team so we share this award together.”
The Journal also named Antigua and Barbuda the Caribbean Destination of the Year,Galley Bay the Caribbean’s All-Inclusive of the Year, and Keyonna Beach the Small All-Inclusive of the Year.
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That is exactly why the mash-up and throw-‘way Ugly Party of Pinocchios (UPP) is now focusing so much on the airport!. The wagon keeps rolling on
Max, you’re bringing the visitors to the island by air and sea. Great job! The problem is, cruise ship passengers will never come back because downtown is a nasty, smelly disgrace. The few that tour the island will enjoy the views, put will never come back. The wealthly stay in their all inclusive resorts, enjoy a few tour, they too will not come back. So Max, keep up all traveling and selling of Antigua. Way to keep them coming……
I hate to comment and lower my standards to these ppl who speak so negatively of each member of government. It is with my understanding and knowledge that Antiguans does not love to see their fellow man succeed rather less there country, so they will find every negative to say. I am a Guyanese by birth and naturalized Antiguan.
However, I do know we all have a part to play in making Antigua a great place for tourists to explore and visit. I say this to say many of us know right from wrong and instead of being the change we decide to be stigma that trolls society.
Look, I don’t think any real patriotic Antiguan’s out here wants to see Antigua fail, in fact many of us have welcomed the fact that Antigua has stayed relevant in the global market as a world class destination, and we support the notion of Antigua’s continuous property by calling out the nonsense when it is blatantly presented to us.
The lies got to stop, because though we know that millions upon millions in revenue is collected by this Government to each year,we want to see where the money is, and the accountability in where all the tax money is being spent, simple.
So the questions are valid ones.
Why is the city being neglected?
Why are the areas that needs improvement the most, and the areas that the taxes payers use on a daily basis, are being neglected?
Places like ST johns, and many of the terrible roads in the ” not so touristy areas”?
Why is cost of living so high for the working man, and more efforts are not been made in agriculture and our water system?
Why are pensioners not being paid?
Why give yourself are 14% pay raise, but can’t give any relief in the taxes brackets,but have indeed raise taxes in this very prosperous times you continuously brag about?
These are all valid questions, and since there is so much talk about all the tourist money and investment coming into Antigua, all the people are asking, is where the money at, since so many things are being neglected in Antigua?
So call it negative if you want, but I see it as holding your elected officials accountable for what you put them in office to do. In fact you cannot get more patriotic than that as a citizen of any country.
Simple!!!
I do not understand why the UPP is holding on this lie that the country is not doing well. They making themselves look very dishonest and like jokers. I mean nothing is ever going to be perfect, but you have to drill down and show the things that are lacking. Be fair and give Charles Max Fernandez his flowers. And of course his entire team
Antigua, whoever you are is a fool to 10th degree! You don’t know what to say! You spew lies and is dregs! Only people who want filth will believe that garbage!
I carry hundreds of tourist everyday and they comment that Antigua is cleaner than the other islands they visit before coming here. I’ve met people who are visiting Antigua 4 and 5 times over years because they love it here!!!!!