Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment H. Charles Fernandez and Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Chief Executive Officer Colin C. James have indicated that Antigua & Barbuda reached 110,832 stay-over arrivals in the 1st Quarter of 2026, compared to 103,843 for the same period in 2025, a 6.7% year to year increase. January arrivals rose by 5% to 36,052; February 6% to 36,133; and March 8% to 38,097.
The United Kingdom led source market growth with a 14% increase compared to 2025. The USA still remains the largest source market of stay-over arrivals with 46%, Europe 34%, Canada 12%, the Caribbean 5% and Latin America at 1%. Antigua & Barbuda is actively pursuing diversification into Africa and Latin America in response to a global trend towards visitors seeking more authentic and immersive travel experiences. Minister Fernandez and the ABTA Chief Executive Officer James presented these statistics at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 44 held in Antigua & Barbuda. Antigua & Barbuda for the 2nd consecutive year was the host destination for Caribbean
Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace 44 from May 12 – 15 May 2026. A first for any host country. Antigua & Barbuda is also the smallest country to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace.Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the region’s largest tourism forum and the event was opportunity for tour operators, travel trade professionals, tourism personnel, industry leaders and tourism suppliers to network with wholesalers and global buyers from around the world in face-to-face meetings to drive business and strengthen partnerships as well as showcasing the innovation and resilience of the region’s visitor economy.
Take a look back at the 44th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace held in Antigua & Barbuda.