Antigua and Barbuda has reported a 7% increase in tourism arrivals, exceeding July 2019’s pre-pandemic record.
The destination saw a 5% increase in British arrivals in July over the same month in 2019. British arrivals in July stood at 5,650 in comparison to the 5,378 in 2019.
An influx of visitors from the United States also contributed to the increase with arrivals 30% higher than in July 2019.
13,305 tourists travelled by air from the United States in the same month – an additional three thousand plus when compared to July 2019. Arrivals from Canada also grew by 1% while the Caribbean market saw a decline of 19%.
A total of 24,673 visitors were welcomed in July 2022, an increase over 2021’s 23,405 and the 2019 record of 23,031.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is attributing the growth to increased airlift, easy travel protocols, and the enthusiasm amongst consumers to return to travel.
There’s also the long-awaited Antigua Summer Carnival, which took place from 27 July to 7 August.
Minister of Tourism The Honourable Charles Fernandez said, “For a second year, we are experiencing a healthy summer season as consumer travel confidence grows and travellers make the decision to take that long-awaited vacation or previously delayed trip.
“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 five hundred visitors travelling to enjoy our summer events. We are optimistic that we will maintain this strong position of growth into August.”
During the summer months, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association reported a 63% occupancy rate among its members.
9678 visitors chose to stay at hotels, while 11, 487 chose guesthouses or apartments and villas.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James said: “Antigua and Barbuda is presently listed amongst the top ten Caribbean destinations leading the Caribbean tourism recovery efforts.
“With good month-on-month growth and our overall tourism arrivals for the year to date only 16% 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 season, our teams will continue to focus on closing the gap and achieving full recovery.”
Total stayover arrivals for January-July 2022 (YTD), stand at 154, 099, a 91% increase over the 2021 comparison of 80,509 and a 16% narrowing of the gap between the 2019 January-July totals that stood at 184,465.
For more information, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.
Subscribe now and follow Travel Pursuit UK on our travel social media for all must-see travel updates published daily in UK’s brand new, travel trade publication.
