Antigua and Barbuda Monday reported a seven percent increase in tourist arrivals in July as the country continues to record a “steady rebound” in visitor arrivals in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had forced the closure of borders.
The Ministry of Tourism said during July, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 24,673 visitors, an increase of 23,405 from the corresponding period last year and the 2019 record of 23,031.
“For a second year, we are experiencing a healthy summer season as consumer travel confidence grows and travelers decide to take that long-awaited vacation or previously delayed trip,” said Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez.
“In July, we saw a notable increase in group travel that contributed significantly to our growth, with one group from the US bringing in approximately 500 visitors traveling to enjoy our summer events. We are optimistic that we will maintain this strong position of growth into August.”
Tourism officials said an influx of visitors from the United States contributed to the increase, with arrivals 30 percent higher than in July 2019. They said 13,305 of the visitors traveled by air from the United States in July, an additional 3,000 plus when compared to July 2019.
There was also growth within the United Kingdom market, with an increase of 272 British visitors to the destination leading to a five percent increase in tourism arrivals over 2019. Arrivals stood at 5,650 in comparison to 5,378 in 2019.
Arrivals from Canada grew by one percent, while the Caribbean market saw a decline of 19 percent.
During the month, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) reported occupancies of 63 percent across their members.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) is attributing the seven percent growth in air arrivals for the month of July 2022, when compared to July 2019, to increased airlift, aggressive destination marketing, easy travel protocols, the enthusiasm amongst consumers to return to travel, and their eagerness to participate in Antigua’s summer carnival once again.
“Antigua and Barbuda is presently listed amongst the top ten Caribbean destinations leading the Caribbean tourism recovery efforts,” said ABTA chief executive officer Colin James.
“With good month-on-month growth and our overall tourism arrivals for the year to date only 16 percent less than the 2019 figures, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism rebound prospects are looking positive, particularly when we consider global tourism forecasts. For the fall, our teams will continue to focus on closing the gap and achieving full recovery”, James said.
Overall, total stay-over arrivals for January – July 2022 (YTD) stand at 154 099. This is a 91 percent increase over the 2021 comparison of 80,509 and a 16 percent narrowing of the gap between the 2019 January – July totals that stood at 184,465.
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