Antigua and Barbuda is seeing significant momentum from the UK and Europe, with 5,394 more UK visitors travelling to the destination by the end of August than during the same period last year, as the Tourism Authority’s UK and Europe team continues to drive demand.
July and August have been particularly strong, with UK arrivals increasing by almost 23 per cent in July and more than 18 per cent in August, representing an additional 1,642 UK visitors across the two months.
Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK and Europe at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said: “The growth we are seeing from the UK and Europe is incredibly encouraging. To be 5,394 UK visitors ahead of the same period last year, alongside significant growth across Europe, demonstrates that our strategy is delivering. Our focus now is on building that momentum and bringing even more visitors from the UK and Europe to Antigua and Barbuda.”
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority team has taken a 360-degree approach across the region, bringing together creators, media, music, food, cultural partnerships and live experiences to drive visitation and build momentum towards the 70th anniversary of Antigua Carnival in 2027 and beyond.
The activity began on Antigua during this year’s Carnival, when the Tourism Authority, in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, hosted British DJ and content creator DJ AG alongside a carefully selected group of creators and influential personalities, including voices with strong connections to the Caribbean diaspora.
DJ AG brought his distinctive live-streaming format into the community, creating opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda talent and personalities to engage with his extensive online audience. Together, the creator programme has already generated more than 280 pieces of content, a reach of 3,076,700 and an earned media value of approximately US$200,000, with content continuing to grow.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission then carried that momentum into London around Notting Hill Carnival. Reigning Jumpy Soca Monarch Tian Winter, reigning Groovy Soca Monarch Young Lyrics, international Soca performer Zamoni and Antiguan DJ The Spaniard had a united front to make Antigua and Barbuda’s impact greater while in London. The artists also took the Antigua Carnival story into UK media through Soca News and WorldMag, alongside dedicated content creation with Capital XTRA’s Omah Howard.
Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, said, “The success of Antigua Carnival is a testament to the power of partnership. While the ABFC remains committed to creating and delivering an unforgettable Carnival experience, the ABTA plays a critical role in amplifying that experience to global audiences and converting interest into arrivals. Together, we are showcasing Antigua Carnival as a premier cultural and tourism event. As we look ahead to Legendary 70, we remain focused on enhancing the product, expanding its reach and ensuring even more visitors experience the magic, authenticity and energy that make Antigua Carnival truly unique.”
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority continued its five-year partnership with Island Mas at Notting Hill Carnival, which secured first place in the Dutty Mas category and second place in the Large Mas Band category, creating further visibility for Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only continuously working Georgian era dockyard in the world, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua Racing Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua and Barbuda at:
www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
Source: Antigua News Room Antigua And Barbuda Builds On Strong Uk And European Growth Ahead Of Antigua Carnival’s ‘Legendary 70’.