recently sat down with JAX FAX for a chat about the major tourism developments taking place in his country.

How much of a “game changer” will the new overwater villas at the Royalton CHIC be for Antigua?

They are certainly going to be a game changer as they include private decks, outdoor baths, and butler service, again offering a level of luxury that is challenging to match in other lodgings. Additionally, staying in an overwater bungalow is a completely unique experience, and many tourists love having it “closer to home” without having to travel halfway around the world.

What can you tell us about new and upcoming developments at the Antigua Cruise Port?

Located in St. John’s harbor, Antigua Cruise Port is the gateway to the city, serving mainly as a transit port, handling over 800k passengers annually. In 2020, Antigua Cruise Port spent $30 million to complete phase one of the project, which included the construction of a new 700-foot pier to accommodate the largest ships in the industry. The company also made significant infrastructural improvements and investments in the beautification of the Heritage Quay shopping center. Phase two began with the construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal in May 2024. Next, the team will build the Antigua Day Club – a 3,700-square-foot (beach club at the port that will include a pool, bars, restaurants, and a stage for entertainment. This Day Club [will be an] exclusive outdoor oasis with great food, cocktails, music and more for guests who want to get off the ship but do not want to take a tour or excursion is being created. They can unwind at a fun dance party, lounge at a lush private pool, and enjoy first-class service – all from a daybed in the Antiguan sun.

What do you hope to highlight about the destination during CHTA in 2025?

We hope to afford our tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world, in the hope of cementing a stronger working partnership, but ultimately to showcase our great cross-section of properties, scrumptious restaurants, our beautiful beaches, with a backdrop of 95 miles of unbroken coastlines, and last but not least our state of the art airport and lounge.

How significant a milestone is the new Barbuda airport for reviving tourism on the island?

Barbuda’s new airport … allows for direct connections to global destinations and offers an enhanced travel experience for visitors and residents into the island, signaling the start of a new chapter for Barbuda’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.

Nikki Beach just announced a new resort on Jolly Beach. What’s the significance to that for the destination and that part of the island in particular?

Having a property like a Nikki Beach added to our portfolio only raises the profile of the destination without mitigating the standard of the other resorts. Other hotel news includes the opening of Barbuda’s first Nobu Beach Club (construction begins in early 2025) and One & Only Half Moon Bay, opening in 2027.

Any timely messages you’d like to pass along to travel agents about what’s happening on Antigua and Barbuda and what can be expected in the near future?

Travel agents need to know that Antigua and Barbuda are still two very authentic destinations, also relatively safe, and as we all know when people travel today safety becomes premium and both our twin islands state offers that assurance. Secondly, our beaches are second to none: some are the best beaches per mile, others pink sand beaches, so we are truly a beach lover’s paradise. We have new resorts coming on stream within a year which includes Nikki Beach, The Marriott Autograph, and The One and Only which is to open up on Barbuda. In addition, we have a brand new John Fazio Golf Course coming on stream next year, also opening up on Barbuda, along with a brand new international airport which will be offering four flights daily for the first time from Antigua to Barbuda. That in itself is massive, which makes booking Antigua and Barbuda a great alternative to what one sells in the Caribbean.

For more information visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com