Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating record-breaking tourism growth following the successful hosting of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2026.
According to Antigua.news, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James revealed the milestone figures during a press conference held at the event: the twin-island nation recorded 110,832 stay-over visitors in the first quarter of 2026, a 6.7 percent increase over the 103,843 arrivals recorded during the same period last year.
Antigua and Barbuda hosted the region's premier tourism trade event for the second consecutive year, welcoming travel professionals, tour operators, airline representatives and international media throughout May as part of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month.
March posted the strongest monthly gains, with arrivals climbing eight percent to 38,097 visitors. January arrivals rose five percent to 36,052, while February increased six percent to 36,133.
The United Kingdom recorded the largest growth among source markets, rising 14 percent during the quarter. The United States remains Antigua and Barbuda's dominant tourism market, accounting for nearly half of all stay-over arrivals.
The growth extends to the cruise sector as well. Officials are forecasting a 21.9 percent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in 2026, with projections nearing 895,000 visitors. That increase coincides with expanded cruise operations and the opening of a new US$30 million cruise terminal earlier this year under the Upland Development Project.
Several new air routes are also bolstering the country's connectivity. Sunrise Airways recently launched flights between Antigua and the Dominican Republic, while LIAT Air introduced service to Guadeloupe. Nigerian carrier Air Peace is expected to begin service between Antigua and Lagos via Barbados later this month.
Officials also highlighted a number of major tourism investments currently under development, including new luxury hotel projects on both islands.
Attention is now turning to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host in November. Thousands of delegates, officials and journalists are expected to attend the international summit.
Tourism authorities say the country remains focused on sustainable, high-value tourism while continuing environmental preservation efforts, including the restoration of Redonda and ongoing marine conservation initiatives.
