Antigua and Barbuda hopes for tourism lift-off thanks to new astronauts
April HutchinsonAntigua and Barbuda is looking to make the most of its new global superstars, mother and daughter duo Keisha Schahaff and Anastatia Mayers, who are the first Caribbean astronauts having travelled on the Galactic 02 voyage in August.
Schahaff is now brand ambassador for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Colin C. James, chief executive officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said she and her daughter have become symbols of national pride.
“The nation came together to celebrate their achievements and they are great role models,” said James. “The world is now asking, ’Where is Antigua and Barbuda?’ thanks to them. Around 400 international media outlets talked about their involvement, which has been great for our country.”
Cricket will be another attention-grabber next year. The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is coming to the West Indies from 4 June to 30 June 2024, with Antigua and Barbuda among seven Caribbean destinations hosting.
Year-to-date arrivals for the island nation until August were 196,393, up from 174,224 year-on-year from 2022.
“We had a little less airlift with Virgin Atlantic this year from the UK, so summer was a little challenging, and we are still looking at around 15% less overall air capacity, but we are talking to other airlines such as Tui to see if they are interested to offer flights,” said James.
“Overall though, yield remains strong, revenues are up and things are trending in the right direction. We have had an exceptional year from the tourism standpoint.
“We are seeing higher numbers from the US, and are eagerly anticipating new flights with Silver Airways from San Juan from 16 November,” he added.
A couple of key events are set to be repeated in 2024 after successful starts this year.
Restaurant Week will be repeated next year, as will Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, while Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month will take place in January.
The country is also set to be the first Caribbean country to host the UN’s International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), taking place over 27-30 May and attracting 5,000 attendees.
A raft of hotel refurbishments and openings include Jolly Beach, which will restore 350 rooms by December 2023, Verandah Resort, which reopens as an adults-only resort on 17 November, while the first phase of Royalton Chic will open in early 2024 with 230 rooms.
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April Hutchinson
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