Antigua: Air arrivals increase, US tops visitor numbers

Antigua and Barbuda saw a five percent increase in tourist arrivals by air in January compared to the same month in 2019, which was the best year on record for tourist arrivals.

According to the latest figures from the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the total arrivals for January 2024 were 31,306, up from 29,669 in January 2019.

The United States maintained its position as the top source market, with 14,606 passengers compared to 11,722 in 2019. The UK followed with 7,955 visitors compared to 7,681 in 2019. Canada ranked third with 4,525 visitors in 2024 compared to 5,752 in 2019.

While occupancy rates for January 2024 were slightly down compared to January 2019, with a rate of 85.5 percent compared to 86.5 percent, the figure was higher than 2023’s 86.4 percent.

The majority of overnight visitors chose to stay in hotels, accounting for 69 percent of the market, with guest houses and homes coming in second and third, respectively.