Page 40 - IAADFS World Summit 2025 Special Issue_Neat

INSIDER

9.65 million arrivals in 2023.
Despite a few disruptions to the
tourism sector with natural occurrences
such as Hurricanes Milton and Oscar, the
destination flourished. Foreign air and
sea arrivals shattered the previous year’s
number by 16.2% and 2019 figures by
54.7%. Additionally, foreign air arrivals
across the island nation exceeded 1.7
million in line with 2023 performance but
ahead 2019 by 3.3%.
While The Bahamas is a year-round
travel destination, December 2024 was the
best month ever in terms of arrivals with
1.15 million visitors, posting 14% ahead of
2023 and 62% ahead of 2019.
Grand Bahama Island experienced
an 8.7% growth in air arrivals, second
Curtain Bluff Beach, Antigua. Photo courtesy Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority:
Watkins Media only to Abaco, with a 11.9% growth over
2023 amounting to a solid return to pre-
Hurricane Dorian and pre-COVID levels.
Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate record- of 2019. The cruise sector also flourished. Minister and Minister of Tourism,
breaking visitor arrivals and announce Increased homeporting operations led by Investments & Aviation, expressed his
new initiatives the Antigua Cruise Port and the Antigua pleasure over these achievements. “The
The Ministry of Tourism and the and Barbuda Airport Authority were noted, Bahamas has not only exceeded its targets
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority with further expansion expected in 2025. but remains a steadfast global leader in the
(ABTA) are celebrating 2024 as an CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda tourism industry and a dominant presence
exceptional year for tourism in Antigua and Tourism Authority Colin C. James said, in the Caribbean region. These record-
Barbuda. “2025 promises even more with the first breaking achievements are a powerful
According to the latest data, Antigua quarter of the year, bringing increased testament to the tourism marketing
and Barbuda welcomed over 330,281 cruise calls for Antigua and Barbuda and strides by the Ministry of Tourism and
stay-over visitors for the year and over more airlift, with Frontier set to launch its the supportive dedication of our partners
823,955 cruise passengers, surpassing inaugural San Juan – Antigua service on across the destination, who, alongside
previous records, and the 2019 pre-covid February 15, 2025. our passionate locals, continue to offer
benchmark year. The United States market For 2025, the destination will also be unparalleled experiences throughout our
led the growth in stayover arrivals, with targeting foodies through a new Antigua beautiful and culturally rich islands.”
strong performances also from the United and Barbuda Culinary Month in May, The cruise industry continues to be
Kingdom & Europe, Caribbean & LATAM, which will see the expansion of culinary a cornerstone of The Bahamas’ economy,
and Canada markets. events to include Antigua and Barbuda generating a remarkable $654.8 million
“Our growth in 2024 is a direct result Restaurant Week, FAB Fest, Food Forum in cruise tourism expenditures during
of our efforts to strengthen connectivity, and Eat Like A Local, in a move to make the 2023/2024 cruise year, according to
position Antigua and Barbuda as a regional Antigua and Barbuda, “a new culinary a Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
hub with two international airports, expand hotspot in the Caribbean”. (FCCA) report. When factoring in
our hotel and accommodation offerings, The islands will also celebrate the employment, taxes, and levies, the total
invest in human capital, and stay on top our 300th anniversary of Nelson’s Dockyard, economic impact surpasses $1 billion,
game,” said Charles Fernandez, Minister of and host the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism underscoring the sector’s vital contribution
Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel to the nation’s growth and prosperity.
Investment. Marketplace in May, and have launched a Additionally, the attraction of
Antigua and Barbuda saw significant revamped destination website. more than $10 billion of Foreign Direct
expansion in airlift during 2024, with Investments over the last two years
increased service from American Airlines, The Bahamas drives unprecedented with prestigious global brands such
Delta, and JetBlue, as well as the return tourism growth with 11 million visitors as Rosewood, Six Senses, Montage,
of Condor and the introduction of Sunrise in 2024 Park Hyatt, Bvglari and Four Seasons
Airways. British Airways also increased The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Residences also played a part in the
service to the destination. Investments & Aviation reports that the destination’s success and brand image,
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and destination welcomed a record-breaking especially in the luxury market, in 2024.
Tourism Association reported increased 11.22 million international visitors in 2024,
hotel occupancy in 2024, exceeding that making it the best year ever, exceeding the

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