Antigua and Barbuda reinforced its position as a Caribbean tourism powerhouse while hosting CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026. The twin-island nation reported strong visitor growth, expanded airlift and cruise arrivals, major hotel investments, and preparations for CHOGM 2026, highlighting its rise as a premier luxury and sustainable tourism destination.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Antigua and Barbuda has once again cemented its position as one of the Caribbean’s premier tourism destinations, successfully hosting the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2026 for the second consecutive year.
Held during the vibrant celebration of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the region’s leading tourism trade event welcomed tour operators, travel advisors, airline representatives, hospitality executives, and international media from around the world. The event showcased the twin-island nation’s growing influence in Caribbean tourism while highlighting its world-class hospitality, investment momentum, and expanding global connectivity.
As the Caribbean’s flagship tourism business forum, CTM serves as a critical platform connecting international travel buyers with Caribbean tourism suppliers, reinforcing the region’s competitive edge in the global travel market.
Speaking during a major press conference at the event, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Honorable Charles H. Fernándezalongside Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) CEO Colin C Jamesrevealed impressive tourism growth figures that underscore the destination’s continued upward trajectory.
Antigua and Barbuda recorded 110,832 stay-over arrivals during the first quarter of 2026representing a 6.7% increase over the same period in 2025. Growth remained steady throughout the quarter, with January arrivals increasing by 5% to 36,052 visitors, February rising 6% to 36,133, and March delivering the strongest performance with an 8% jump to 38,097 arrivals.
Visit Antigua & Barbuda – The beach is just the beginning
The United Kingdom emerged as the strongest-performing source market, recording a 14% increase year-over-year. The United States remains Antigua and Barbuda’s largest tourism market, accounting for 46% of stay-over visitors, followed by Europe at 34%, Canada at 12%, the Caribbean at 5%, Latin America at 1%, and other markets at 2%.
Tourism officials also emphasize ongoing efforts to diversify visitor arrivals by targeting emerging markets in Latin America and Africa, aligning with a global trend toward authentic and culturally immersive travel experiences.
OneCaribbean.org – The official tourism business website of the Caribbean Tourism Organization
The destination’s tourism boom extends beyond air arrivals. Antigua and Barbuda is forecasting a remarkable 21.9% increase in cruise arrivals for 2026with projected passenger numbers reaching 894,469 visitorssignificantly surpassing the 733,526 recorded in 2019. Cruise ship calls are expected to rise from 388 to 483 during the same period.
Supporting that growth is the recently opened US$30 million cruise terminalinaugurated on January 24, 2026, as part of the wider Upland Development Project. The new facility is designed to modernize the visitor experience while increasing cruise capacity ahead of future demand.
Air connectivity also continues to expand. Sunrise Airways launched twice-weekly service between Antigua and the Dominican Republic on May 1, while LIAT Air introduced flights to Guadeloupe beginning May 8. Meanwhile, Nigerian carrier Air Peace is preparing to launch twice-monthly service connecting Antigua and Lagos via Barbados from May 25, opening a significant new gateway between the Caribbean and West Africa.
Infrastructure investments are equally transforming the destination. Rehabilitation and expansion works are underway at VC Bird International Airport, while the newly opened Burton-Nibbs International Airport in Barbuda is expected to accelerate the island’s eco-luxury tourism development.
Several high-profile hospitality projects are also shaping the future of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda. Moon Gate Hotel & Spa is scheduled to debut in 2026 with 71 luxury suites and villas, while the highly anticipated Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda is under construction for completion later this year.
Longer-term luxury developments include the Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, expected to launch in 2029 with 84 hotel rooms and 127 luxury residences, and the Rosewood Barbuda project, slated for 2028. A Marriott Leisure World Hotel featuring 114 rooms and overwater villas is also in development.
Fresh off being named the “Caribbean’s Best Meetings and Conference Destination” at the World Travel Awards, Antigua and Barbuda is now preparing for another historic milestone — hosting the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from November 1–4, 2026.
The event is expected to attract between 3,000 and 5,000 delegates, participants, and international media under the theme: “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” In a groundbreaking move, Antigua and Barbuda will become the first CHOGM host nation to include both a concert and cricket tournament as part of the official program.
Officials say the country’s tourism strategy remains firmly rooted in sustainable, high-value development, supported by environmental initiatives such as the Redonda restoration project, reef protection programs, anti-overfishing measures, and greater local community participation in tourism.
With global travelers increasingly seeking safe, stable, and welcoming destinations, Antigua and Barbuda appears poised to continue its rise as one of the Caribbean’s strongest tourism success stories.