Matara Richards, Marketing_ Shamoi Richards, BDM_ Tameka Wharton, Director of Canada_ Kyle Christian, BDM_ Jordanna Lawrence, Marketing for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is in Toronto this week to officially open its new Canadian office and host a reception for the travel trade, marking a renewed commitment to growing the destination’s presence in Canada.

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez tells Travelweek that the move underscores the market’s importance. “Opening this office demonstrates our commitment to the Canadian market and how important it is to us. Last year, we welcomed just under 40,000 Canadian visitors, and we want to see that number grow.”

During his visit, Minister Fernandez met with the Canadian team to align on strategy and resources needed to boost awareness and bookings. He noted that demand from Canada has been strong, with 2024 visitor arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels and early signs pointing to another record year in 2025.

“2024 was a great year for us, even better than our pre-Covid years,” he said. “Building on that and based on feedback we’re getting this year, it’s looking like we’re going to beat 2024 numbers.”

Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, addressed travel advisors and trade partners at last night’s reception, expressing his gratitude for their support and strong partnerships. Noting how Air Canada and WestJet make it easy for Canadians to reach the destination’s shores (“You can leave your home at 6 a.m. and be on the beach by mid-afternoon”), James encouraged advisors – who he referred to as “our greatest ambassadors” – to keep Antigua and Barbuda top of mind ahead of the all-important winter season.

“You help us share the story of our beautiful twin islands and that means the world to us,” he said. “Promoting Antigua and Barbuda in Canada is almost too easy because we’re offering sunshine, pristine beaches and the joy of trading your parka for a swimsuit.”

Major developments in Antigua & Barbuda

Fernandez highlighted a slate of tourism infrastructure and product developments in the pipeline. In Antigua, projects include the Nikki Beach Resort, One&Only and Marriott properties, the Moon Gate development, expansion of Antigua Cruise Port to add a fifth pier, and a multi-million-dollar runway rehabilitation at V.C. Bird International Airport to accommodate larger aircraft.

Colin C. James, CEO of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

In Barbuda, enhancements include the now fully serviced Barbuda International Airport, ongoing work at the Barbuda Ocean Club and Nobu Resort, and the positioning of the island as a luxury, sustainable destination with a goal to be 100% green by 2030.

“We plan to keep Barbuda limited in development,” Fernandez said. “It will remain a model island – different to Antigua – with what we call barefoot luxury.”

Cruise and yachting growth

Cruising continues to be a key sector for Antigua and Barbuda, with 825,526 passengers arriving in 2024, a 23% increase over the previous year. The country also handled 570 cruise ship calls, up from 446 in 2023, and saw over 330,000 stay-over air arrivals, pushing total visitor numbers past 1.1 million.

The destination is also seeing growth in homeporting and is investing in its yachting sector as an additional driver of high-value tourism.

Message to Canadian travel advisors

Fernandez invited Canadian travel advisors to take advantage of the Black Pineapple Awards, which recognize top sellers, and to connect with the new Toronto office for resources and support.

“Antigua and Barbuda is a safe, welcoming destination,” he said. “We treat our visitors like royalty, and we’re ready to offer Canadians the kind of experience they deserve – confident, relaxed and spoiled in our beautiful islands.”

For more information about travel to Antigua and Barbuda, go to tryantigua.ca.

Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez

Source: Travelweek