Arrivals Surge – Observer News Desk
Arrivals Surge Antigua Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 5,394 more visitors from the United Kingdom during the first eight months of 2026 than in the corresponding period last year, as tourism officials intensify efforts to promote the destination and the 70th anniversary of Antigua Carnival.
Figures released by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) show UK arrivals rose by almost 23 per cent in July and more than 18 per cent in August. Together, the two months accounted for an additional 1,642 visitors from that market.
Cherrie Osborne, ABTA’s Director of Tourism for the UK and Europe, said the results, coupled with growth across Europe, showed the authority’s strategy was delivering.
“The growth we are seeing from the UK and Europe is incredibly encouraging. To be 5,394 UK visitors ahead of the same period last year, alongside significant growth across Europe, demonstrates that our strategy is delivering,” Osborne said.
She said the authority would focus on sustaining the momentum and attracting more UK and European visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
The ABTA said its regional campaign combines content creators, traditional media, music, food, cultural partnerships and live experiences, with activity aimed at building interest in Antigua Carnival’s 70th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
During this year’s Carnival, the authority partnered with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) to host British DJ and content creator DJ AG and a group of online personalities, including creators with links to the Caribbean diaspora.
DJ AG livestreamed from within the community, introducing Antiguan artistes and personalities to his online audience. According to the ABTA, the initiative has generated more than 280 pieces of content, reached about 3.08 million people and produced an estimated earned media value of US$200,000.
The two agencies continued the campaign in London around Notting Hill Carnival, where reigning Jumpy Soca Monarch Tian Winter, reigning Groovy Soca Monarch Young Lyrics, soca artiste Zamoni and Antiguan DJ The Spaniard promoted Antigua Carnival.
The artistes also appeared in UK media through Soca News and WorldMag and created dedicated content with Capital XTRA’s Omah Howard.
ABFC Chairman Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul said collaboration between the commission and the tourism authority was helping to position Antigua Carnival as a major cultural tourism event.
“While the ABFC remains committed to creating and delivering an unforgettable Carnival experience, the ABTA plays a critical role in amplifying that experience to global audiences and converting interest into arrivals,” Makhoul said.
She said both organisations would work to enhance the festival, expand its reach and attract more visitors for the “Legendary 70” anniversary.
The ABTA also continued its five-year partnership with Island Mas at Notting Hill Carnival. The band placed first in the Dutty Mas category and second in the Large Mas Band category.
