Business View Caribbean October/November 2018

62 63 RESILIENCE, STRENGTH, GROWTH A ntigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean’s favorite vacation desti- nations, boasting a wealth of tourist attractions, scenic vistas, and the best in luxury resorts. Antigua is home to the bustling capital city, St. John’s, and the V.C. Bird Interna- tional Airport, while Barbuda plays host to na- ture lovers, with its renowned lagoon and quiet beauty. Sailing regattas, fishing, local food fare, and island-produced rum are but a few of the enticements that bring visitors by sea and air to this spectacular Caribbean getaway. In a recent interview with Business View Carib- bean, the Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment Antigua and Barbu- da, reported on the government’s latest tour- ism-driven initiatives, challenges, and successes, and the industry’s importance as a major eco- nomic driver. The following is an edited transcript of that conversation. BVC: What is the state of Antigua and Barbu- da’s current economic picture, and how has it evolved? Minister Fernandez: “Antigua was a sug- ar-based economy, historically; that changed in the 1970s when the price of sugar went down. Being a small island, there wasn’t enough land to AT A GLANCE MINISTRY OF TOURISM & INVESTMENT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA WHAT: Statutory body responsible for tourism policy WHERE: St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda WEBSITE: www.ab.gov.ag