Canadian arrivals "growing by leaps and bounds"
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
While 2023 arrivals to Antigua and Barbuda ended on a high note with a 6 per cent increase over the previous year, 2024 figures are looking even better — thanks in large part to the Canadian market.
“We are off to a flying start… We are already ahead of the pack and we are on target to have our best year in tourism ever,” shared ABTA CEO Colin C. James at the recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace held in Jamaica, adding that the destination is on track to reach its 2019 benchmark of just over 300,000 arrivals. “Canada has been growing by leaps and bounds.”
Notably, the first-quarter 2024 figures are already higher than those of 2019, its benchmark year, and Canada recorded an 11 per cent increase.
Another positive sign and a “good news story” is that average daily rates are up to US$881 in 2024 vs US$872 in 2023.
“Hotel occupancy rates are also on fire,” he added.
As for accommodation news, a recent opening is the Royalton Chic, which opened in April with 230 rooms, including high-end over-water bungalows, and the Verandah Resort relaunched as an adults-only resort earlier in the year following a complete makeover.
Hawksbill Resort, which was shut during the pandemic, re-opened in Nov. with 106 rooms following a renovation.
Ahead of its 62nd season, Curtain Bluff also reinvested $2.2 million into extensive property renovation, including the complete refurbishment of its suites and junior suites and a newly expanded wellness area.
For those looking for the luxe life, Tamarind Hills also expanded its facilities to include four new luxury villas.
Moon Gate Antigua, a 49-suite all-inclusive boutique hotel and spa at Half Moon Bay is almost fully complete with 40 units already ready to welcome guests.
Further down the pipeline, One & Only Resort is slated to debut in Antigua in 2027.
Over on Barbuda, PLH Barbuda Ocean Club is set to launch with 240 rooms later this year and the construction of a Nobu Hotel is progressing.
“We are really, really trying to up the anti and position the destination as something aspirational,” he shared. “We have developed, above all, warm hospitality.”
James also pointed out that the Barbuda Airport, which has the code BBQ, is nearing completion.
“The plan is to have international, particularly private jets landing directly in Barbuda to support that distinguished and upmarket product,” he added.
As for cruise, a new port terminal is to be completed in 2025.
“We’ve seen the resurgence in the cruise industry to take advantage of the ability of our port now to handle the largest ships available on market and what we’ve been working towards is later departures so that instead of a cruise ship leaving around 5:00 p.m., most of them, including the new Virgin Voyages [calls] stay until 10:00 p.m. so more economic activity, more opportunities for us to benefit from that,” he said.
