Antigua and Barbuda has recorded one of its strongest tourism performances to date, with visitor arrivals rising 7 percent during the first quarter of 2026. According to Antigua News Room, the country welcomed 110,832 visitors between January and March, with each month setting new arrival records.
The figures were released during the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, described the year so far as "phenomenal," pointing to strong growth from the United States market and rising interest from Europe.
James noted that visitor growth climbed steadily throughout the quarter, rising from 5 percent in January to 8 percent in March — the highest monthly arrival total ever recorded in the country's history.
Tourism officials said the country is also expanding its focus beyond leisure travel by targeting the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions — or MICE — market. Several regional and international events are currently being hosted on the island as part of that push.
On the cruise side, officials projected arrivals to increase by approximately 22 percent this year, driven by expanded home-porting operations and a US$30 million cruise terminal upgrade.
Luxury tourism developments are also in the pipeline. Projects from Nobu, Nikki Beach and Marriott International are expected to bolster the country's efforts to attract higher-spending visitors.
Officials added that Antigua and Barbuda continues to position itself as a safe and stable destination, particularly as geopolitical tensions affect tourism flows in other markets.
However, James cautioned that rising oil prices and increasing operational costs remain pressing challenges for the industry and its workforce.
