Business
175 articles
Antigua Cruise Port's Upland Development Moves Forward with New Retail Spaces
Global Ports Holdings reports that Phase 2 of the upland development at Antigua Cruise Port is advancing, with roofing now underway on new retail and commercial structures. The project aims to expand shopping options, support small businesses, and boost the cruise tourism experience.
Commentary: 'Renewal' — A Bold New Tourism Vision for the Caribbean
A new tourism concept called "Renewal" proposes repositioning the Caribbean as a global leader in restorative, heritage-rooted wellness tourism, drawing on Taíno indigenous wisdom and modern medical science. The commentary, published by Antigua News Room, calls for a pilot location to serve as a prototype for a model that could benefit small island economies across the region.
JCI Antigua Marks 11th Customer Care Seminar with Focus on AI and Resilience
JCI Antigua brought together more than 35 business professionals at the Villa Community Centre on March 26 for its 11th Annual Professionalism in Customer Care Seminar, covering topics ranging from service excellence to the role of artificial intelligence in customer care.
House Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill Targeting Money Laundering Compliance
The House of Representatives has passed the Special Economic Zone (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stricter anti-money laundering compliance requirements, mandatory identity verification, and enhanced regulatory oversight for businesses operating within Antigua and Barbuda's Special Economic Zones. The bill now proceeds to the Senate, with the government citing an upcoming national evaluation in November as a key driver of the legislation's timeline.
Windstar Cruises' Star Seeker Makes Inaugural Port Call to Antigua This Sunday
Windstar Cruises' newly launched luxury yacht Star Seeker will make her inaugural call to St. John's, Antigua, on Sunday, March 29, with a plaque exchange ceremony planned to mark the occasion. The 224-guest, all-suite vessel's visit highlights Antigua and Barbuda's growing profile as a premier luxury cruise destination in the Caribbean.
Parliament Passes Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill to Boost Investment and Compliance
Parliament has passed the Special Economic Zone Amendment Bill 2026, updating the regulatory framework governing investment zones to strengthen compliance with international financial standards. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin urged that Antigua and Barbuda must act decisively to compete for global investment opportunities.
Windstar's Newest Luxury Yacht Star Seeker to Make Inaugural Call to Antigua
Windstar Cruises' newly delivered luxury yacht Star Seeker will make its inaugural call to Antigua and Barbuda this Sunday, with a plaque exchange ceremony planned to mark the occasion. The 224-guest, all-suite vessel is the first purpose-built ship in Windstar's Star Class series.
Antigua Signs Deal With Chinese Firm to Repave North Sound Drag Racing Track
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed a contract with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to repave the North Sound Drag Racing Track, with upgrades focused on resurfacing the strip and enhancing safety measures for drivers and spectators.
Paperclips Ltd. Funds 100 Free Animal Sterilisations Through Monthly Clinic Partnership
Paperclips Ltd. has reached a milestone of 100 funded animal sterilisations through its monthly partnership with the Antigua Spay and Neuter Clinic. The clinic's president is now calling on other local businesses to make similar contributions to tackle pet overpopulation.
Antigua and Barbuda Inflation Falls 0.8% as Food Prices Ease
Inflation in Antigua and Barbuda fell by 0.8 percent in February, with declining fruit, vegetable, and meat prices driving relief for household budgets, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. Fish and seafood prices, however, bucked the trend, rising 12.3 percent over the year.
Rental Costs Drop Nearly 4% as Housing Prices Continue to Fall
Rental costs in Antigua and Barbuda fell 3.9 percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent month-on-month in February 2026, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. The decline offers some relief to tenants, though broader affordability concerns persist.
Falling Food Prices Push Antigua's Inflation Down 0.8% in February
Antigua's Consumer Price Index fell 0.8 percent in the 12 months ending February 2026, driven by lower prices for meat, bread and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. However, sharp increases in fish and seafood prices highlighted uneven trends across the food sector.
Six Cruise Ships Bring Over 10,000 Visitors to Antigua in Single Day
Six cruise ships docked at ports across Antigua and Barbuda in a single day, bringing more than 10,000 passengers and crew ashore and generating increased activity for local businesses and tourism operators.
ESFN Unites Generations Through Creative Expression Workshop in Antigua
The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network hosted a Creative Expression Workshop at Wadadli Spaces on March 21st, 2026, uniting participants aged 5 to 35 in art, writing, and community-building inspired by a single creative prompt. The event also celebrated youth winners from ESFN's Creative Young Voices for Wetlands Competition and featured a collective tribute to World Water Day.
First Phase of VC Bird International Airport Runway Rehabilitation Complete
The first phase of the runway rehabilitation project at VC Bird International Airport has been completed, with Canadian firm Aecon Group Inc. set to advance to the next stage in the coming months. The upgrade aims to improve runway safety, performance, and long-term durability at Antigua and Barbuda's primary aviation gateway.
Middle East War Disrupts Global Used-Car Trade from Japan and South Korea
The Middle East conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran is severely disrupting global used-car exports from Japan and South Korea, stranding shipments and forcing dealers into costly holding patterns. As reported by Antigua News Room, the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz is hitting small exporters especially hard, with billions of dollars in trade at risk.
CHTA and Triptease to Host Second Direct Booking Summit Caribbean in Antigua
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Triptease will bring their Direct Booking Summit back to Antigua on May 15, 2026, offering hoteliers practical strategies on AI, digital marketing, and reducing reliance on third-party booking channels. Registration is now open, with limited capacity available.
APUA Absorbing Fuel Cost Increases to Keep Electricity Rates Stable, Minister Says
Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas says APUA is absorbing rising fuel costs to keep electricity rates stable in Antigua and Barbuda, while outlining renewable energy plans aimed at long-term relief. The government is targeting up to 50 megawatts of solar production over the next three to four years.
Ministry of Agriculture Expands Heavy-Duty Fleet to Boost Farmer Support
The Ministry of Agriculture has begun receiving new heavy-duty equipment and tractors to expand its support capacity for farmers across Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Anthony Smith says the machinery will be used for land clearing, construction, land preparation, and farm road repair.
PM Browne: Emirates Direct Flight to Follow One & Only Resort Completion
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says a direct Emirates flight from Dubai is expected to materialise once the One & Only resort at Half Moon Bay is completed, as he outlined a series of major luxury tourism investments currently underway across Antigua and Barbuda.