Antigua and Barbuda is projecting another record-breaking year for tourism, with the Government forecasting that more than one million cruise passengers and over 500,000 stay-over visitors will arrive in the country during 2026.
The projections were announced during the 2026 Throne Speech delivered Tuesday by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams.
The Government said tourism now accounts for more than 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product and remains the primary driver of economic activity.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez was credited with helping to expand the nation’s tourism product and visitor offerings.
The speech also highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at supporting continued tourism growth, including rehabilitation work at V. C. Bird International Airport and the completion of a new runway and terminal at Burton-Nibbs International Airport in Barbuda.
Government officials further stated that more than EC$3 billion in investment has been generated for Barbuda, supporting new roads, desalination plants, housing developments, a new village at Louie Hill and the construction of a new school.
The administration described the developments as part of a broader effort to transform Barbuda into a major contributor to national wealth creation.
