Antigua and Barbuda is poised to surpass 1.3 million visitor arrivals in 2025, setting a new national tourism record as the country deepens its position as a premier destination for both leisure and high-level international events.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the projection during Thursday’s presentation of the 2026 national budget, citing sharp growth in cruise calls, strong stayover numbers, and the country’s emergence as a leading meetings and conference destination.
According to the Prime Minister, stayover arrivals are expected to reach 340,000 next year, supported by expanded airlift and strengthened marketing partnerships. Cruise tourism is also surging, with 533 ship calls projected — nearly double the 293 recorded a decade ago — putting the country on track for roughly 1 million cruise passengers alone.
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda has entered a new phase of tourism development, driven in part by the success of major international events hosted over the past two years. These include the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in 2024, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2025 and the 55th Organization of American States General Assembly.
The government says these events have helped validate the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy, earning Antigua and Barbuda the designation of Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards.
ECCB data cited in the budget indicates visitor expenditure reached $2.4 billion in 2024 — a 48 percent increase compared with 2014 — and is expected to rise again as conference tourism, yachting, heritage attractions and culinary experiences continue to expand.
Browne credited the record-breaking tourism performance to sustained investments in infrastructure, including the modern cruise port, expanded air services and a growing high-end accommodation portfolio. He said the rise of Airbnb, which now accounts for about 35 percent of visitor stays, has also broadened community involvement in the sector.
Tourism officials are preparing for an even busier pipeline of international events ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda is set to host.
The Prime Minister said the country’s tourism momentum is the strongest it has ever been and remains one of the core engines of national growth. The budget debate continues next week.
