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Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, captivated global business leaders and policymakers today at the Berlin Economic Forum 2025, delivering a compelling presentation on “Sustainable Investments in Tourism: A Catalyst for Global Development and Environmental Resilience.”
The forum, held under the theme “International Business, Sustainable Investments & Environmental Projects for Advancing Global Development, Democracy and Peace,” brings together leading politicians, diplomats, economists, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for aligning economic progress with environmental responsibility.
Minister Fernandez emphasized the pressing need for sustainable investment in tourism, highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s pioneering approach to balancing economic prosperity with environmental conservation.
“Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, yet it stands at a crossroads. The question we must ask is: At what cost?” Minister Fernandez stated.
“In Antigua and Barbuda, tourism accounts for approximately 60% of our GDP, supporting nearly half of our national employment.
But as a small island nation on the frontline of climate change, we understand that our greatest economic asset—our environment—is also our most vulnerable resource.”
Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s success in public-private partnerships and green investment initiatives, the Minister outlined strategic solutions, including:
- The Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda, a project led by Robert De Niro, designed with environmental sustainability at its core.
- Ambitious renewable energy targets, including 100% renewable energy in Barbuda by 2030 and solar-powered public buildings across the nation.
- Destination stewardship policies that support small businesses, local artisans, and eco-conscious tourism ventures.
Minister Fernandez also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s global leadership in climate justice, referencing the historic victory at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and ongoing legal efforts at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold major polluters accountable.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a justice issue. Those least responsible for the crisis often bear its harshest consequences.
The tourism industry must acknowledge this imbalance and shift from exploitation to stewardship.”
Minister Fernandez concluded with a call to global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to embrace tourism as a vehicle for long-term sustainability.
“We must redefine investment in tourism. It is no longer just about profit margins—it is about people, planet, and prosperity.”
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Will there be proper drainage? Heavy rains could be an issue.
Hope this presentation translates into real investments and not just talk.
Hopefully, this opens new doors for partnerships and job creation locally.
The world is watching—let’s make sure we live up to the promises made.
I hope there’s follow-through when he returns home.
Did he mention anything about ensuring tourism benefits everyday citizens?
Well done, Minister Fernandez! Our tourism sector needs strong leadership.