Business View Caribbean l Feb 2023

19 20 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 them in the island’s rich history and culture. The lush landscapes of Antigua, with rolling hills, vibrant rainforests, and serene waterways, offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventure. In contrast, its lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, offers everything from live music and dancing to fine dining and cocktails. The island’s warm weather, with average temperatures in the mid-80s, makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a warm escape from colder climates, made easier by the fact that it is well- connected to other Caribbean islands and major cities around the world. The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism and Investment is responsible for leveraging all these incredible traits by promoting and supporting Antigua’s tourism industry to position the island as one of the top travel destinations in the world. Business View Magazine spoke to Minister Charles Fernanadez of the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism and Investment to discuss their work to maintain and enhance Antigua’s reputation as a top tourist destination, including marketing efforts and initiatives that support sustainable tourism. Business View Magazine: How does the economic picture look right now in Antigua and Barbuda especially coming out of COVID? Minister Fernanadez: Tourism is the economic driver of Antigua and Barbuda and accounts for upwards of 65% of the GDP. In 2022, we saw a tremendous improvement, above our initial projection of achieving 75% of where we were in 2019, which was a record year for us. We are currently upwards of about 85% year-on-year growth right now, having beaten previous record seasons ANT IGUA MINI STRY OF TOUR I SM & INVESTMENT in 2019, 2020, and 2021. We are very bullish in three sectors specifically - yacht arrivals, air arrivals, and cruise arrivals. Business View Magazine: This feature is part of a series called the Strength, Growth, and Resilience of Antigua and Barbuda. Could you highlight some of the tourism development plans you have slated for the next year or so? Minister Fernanadez: In Barbuda, we are just completing the airport, which will be able to accommodate jets. We also have the PLH investment that will invest $3 billion over the next several years. The development plans to have some rooms operational by the fourth quarter of 2023, although this is just the beginning. We also have a development called the Paco De Niro in Barbuda. Nobu, a very high-end brand with locations in London, Marrakesh, and the US, and already has a restaurant here, is planning a three-phase project.