Colin James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority;
Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment & Energy; Ann-Marie Layne, Consul General – Toronto; Rohan Hector, Special Advisor to the Minister
Antigua & Barbuda’s affair with Canada stems back to 1967 when the island’s 1st airport was built. Since then, Canadians have continued to invest in the country and according to Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment & Energy, Antigua has seen 20% growth from Canadian visitors over the last 3 years. But the Minister wants more.
“Canada is Antigua’s 3rd largest market - following the U.S. and the U.K.,” Michael told guests at Toronto’s Delta Chelsea hotel. “To ensure that Antigua & Barbuda remains competitive, we need to grow the visitor arrivals from Canada over the next 5 years.”
Just over 2 months on the job, Michael is focusing his efforts on creating a “closer and more mutually profitable relationship with [Canadian] travel partners – the travel agents, tour operators and the airlines.”
One of the efforts is a USD 2 billion investment for the Singulari project which will include residential and commercial properties, shopping centres, a 1st ever conference centre, casino and new hotels.
Another project is being financed by Sheik Tariq bin Faisal Al Qassemi of the United Arab Emirates, who is investing USD 120 million for a new 36 acre beachfront hotel in Morris Bay. Construction is set to begin by the end of the year. Furthermore, early next year, work will begin on the 400 room Beaches Grand Pineapple in partnership with Sandals. The resort is set to open in January 2016.
Antigua currently has 2,500 usable beds but with these new projects in the works, the tourism board hopes to increase their bed count to 6,000 by 2015/2016.
A new airport terminal is also slated to open in March 2015. It will be the largest in the Eastern Caribbean and will allow the destination to double its current capacity of visitors. The new terminal will include shuttles, VIP lounges, shops and restaurants. Michael said that the new terminal will improve Antigua’s accessibility and because of this, he wants to collaborate with more Canadian air partners.
“We currently have a strong relationship with Air Canada and Transat,” Michael said. “But we want to have double digit growth in lift this year and to do so we are looking to explore relationships with other airlines.”
Also included in the tourism development plan is a rejuvenated cruise ship port. Rohan Hector, Special Advisor to the Minister, said that the tourism board has invested $5 million for the renovation of St. John’s terminal. The goal is to renew the walkway, include brand name shops at its malls and improve Antigua’s nightlife by adding new restaurants and renovating hotels along the sea front. All of the efforts will be completed for this winter’s cruise season.
“These new developments will create opportunities for tourism and people will turn to travel agencies in order to come see our island,” Michael said. “Antigua is a destination of a high quality. We want to attract people who have spending power so it’s important for us to invest in the tourism sector, keep our heritage intact and set the standard.”
