The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, stated, “The record-breaking achievement at V.C. Bird International Airport marks a historic milestone, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a premier travel destination. As we celebrate this significant accomplishment, I am optimistic about a promising future filled with new opportunities and sustained success in the global tourism industry.”
Antigua and Barbuda CEO, Colin James commented, “The recent surge in air arrivals reflects the success of the government’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, targeted marketing campaigns, and strong partnerships with global airlines. These initiatives, coupled with efforts to elevate the visitor experience, have solidified Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a competitive force in the ever-evolving tourism industry.” He continued:
“The unprecedented activity at the airport highlights a stellar year for Antigua and Barbuda, marking one of the most successful periods in its tourism history.”
Simultaneously, Caribbean Journal, the world’s largest website dedicated to covering the region, in their 2025 Travel Awards Winners, recognized the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) as the Caribbean’s Tourist Board of the Year. “Under the leadership of CEO Colin C. James, the ABTA has become a shining example of a proactive, innovative, and creative Caribbean tourism organization. Their work continues to drive Antigua and Barbuda’s impressive rise as a global travel destination”, the Journal reported. CEO James expressed his gratitude in response to the accolade, stating, “The success of the ABTA is a testament to the teamwork of our entire team so we share this award together.”
The Journal also named Antigua and Barbuda the Caribbean Destination of the Year, Galley Bay the Caribbean’s All-Inclusive of the Year, and Keyonna Beach the Small All-Inclusive of the Year.
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda
www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda
www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: Caribbean Tourist Board of the year 2024 – Photo Courtesy of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
