Antigua and Barbuda remains a safe destination for tourists, according to Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board CEO Colin James.
Speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica on May 22, James highlighted the country’s low crime rate and local businesses’ commitment to safety.
Tourism and Safety Indicators
Despite the low number of incidents, Antigua and Barbuda maintains its reputation as a safe destination: the country has recorded five murders this year, all involving locals.
This contrasts with travel advisories issued by the U.S. government for other Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, due to concerns about rising crime rates.
However, tourism in these regions has proven resilient, with visitor numbers quickly recovering after the initial decline.
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Initiatives for local safety
Speaking at the conference, CHTA chairperson Nicola Madden Greig emphasised that the impact of crime on tourists in the Caribbean is minimal.
Mastercard survey data confirmed that the majority of visitors felt overwhelmingly safe during their stay.
Madden Greig noted strong regional efforts to maintain and enhance the image of the Caribbean as a welcoming and safe travel destination.
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Tourism booming post-COVID-19
In the post-pandemic period, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry has recovered significantly, with air traffic increasing by 11 percent in the first quarter of 2024.
Over 97,000 tourists arrived by air during this period alone.
Major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, WestJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, have increased service to the island in anticipation of continued growth in visitor numbers.
Upcoming Events and Air Service Enhancements
The country is gearing up for an exciting year with several major events on the horizon: the Fourth International Conference of Small Island Developing States will be held in St. John’s from 27-30 May, and is expected to bring together more than 3,000 delegates from around the world.
With most accommodations already fully booked, the event is expected to be a huge success.
Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda will be one of the hosts for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the Caribbean Premier League, further demonstrating the island’s ability to host major international events.
New air services by Sunrise Airways and LIAT will also be launched, improving connectivity and accessibility in the region.
