Stakeholders Engage in Traffic Management Solutions for Growing Cruise Sector
With Antigua and Barbuda experiencing record-breaking cruise arrivals, stakeholders are actively working on solutions to improve traffic flow and crowd control in St. John’s to accommodate the growing influx of visitors.
Speaking on The Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Gasper George, General Manager of Global Ports Holding Antigua (GPH), acknowledged the challenges posed by increasing cruise passenger numbers and emphasized the need for better coordination among authorities.
“We continually have challenges with crowd management and traffic flow,” Mr George said. “We are not shying away from improving the guest experience and are actively testing and monitoring how people move through the city.”
To address congestion concerns, GPH is working closely with the:
- Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) to ensure a seamless passenger experience.
- Ministry of Tourism to review traffic control measures and optimize tourist routes.
- Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, particularly Inspector Wami and his team, to manage pedestrian and vehicular flow.
“We are collaborating with Minister Charles Fernandez and his team, along with the new minister responsible for traffic, to assess how we can restructure traffic management in St. John’s,” Mr George said.
With Antigua now welcoming over one million cruise passengers annually, stakeholders are looking at ways to prevent congestion in key areas such as Heritage Quay, Redcliffe Quay, and Market Street.
One proposed solution is wayfinding technology, which could guide tourists more efficiently through St. John’s while minimizing congestion in high-traffic areas.
“We are testing new crowd management methods to improve the flow of people from the three berths into the main shopping districts and onto the wider St. John’s area,” Mr George said.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has also highlighted the need for long-term solutions, including redesigning pedestrian walkways and optimizing taxi routes to ensure a smoother experience for both visitors and residents.
The ongoing expansion of the cruise sector, including the construction of the new cruise terminal at the Fifth Berth, is expected to further increase arrivals in the coming years. The government has set a long-term goal of attracting two million cruise passengers annually, requiring significant improvements in traffic and crowd control strategies.
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It’s about time! St. John’s traffic is a real headache— So long they had to do something about it.
Fix de parking situation first! Too much confusion in town.
Traffic in St. John’s is madness during peak hours. Anything to help would be a blessing.
Wha bout dem potholes? Traffic management should include fixing the roads too.
Roundabouts, one-way streets, better signage… something have to give because St. John’s too congested.