Record holiday travel closed out 2025 on a strong note for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector. The country recorded a sharp rise in visitor arrivals during the busy festive period. As a result, officials point to growing confidence in the destination.

At the center of the surge stood V.C. Bird International Airport. During the holiday peak, the airport handled an unusually high number of long-haul flights. These flights arrived mainly from North America and Europe. Meanwhile, regional carriers and private jets added to the traffic flow.

On December 27, the airport processed more than a dozen long-haul arrivals in one day. Flights came from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Consequently, airport operations remained busy throughout the day. Airlines serving the destination included Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Air Canada, JetBlue, Sunwing, and Norse Atlantic.

According to tourism officials, the surge reflected strong winter demand. Holiday leisure travel played a major role. In addition, diaspora visits boosted passenger numbers. Cruise home-porting activity also supported increased air arrivals.

Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez welcomed the performance. He said the growth confirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a leading winter sun destination. Moreover, he noted that strong airlift signals confidence in the tourism product.

With warm weather and world-class beaches, the destination continues to attract winter travelers. Furthermore, luxury resorts and cultural experiences add to its appeal. As airlift expands, officials expect visitor demand to remain strong.

However, the increase in traffic has also highlighted infrastructure needs. Therefore, the government continues to invest in airport upgrades. These efforts focus on smoother check-in, improved facilities, and better passenger flow. As a result, officials aim to enhance the overall travel experience.

Tourism data through November 2025 also shows steady growth in stay-over arrivals. December projections suggest another strong finish. Consequently, Antigua and Barbuda remains on track for year-round tourism success.

Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James credited expanded airlift and targeted marketing. He also pointed to favorable winter weather conditions. Together, these factors sustained growth throughout the year.

Looking ahead, officials remain optimistic for 2026. Plans include stronger global marketing and expanded air connections. Additionally, investments continue in hotels and tourism products.

Overall, Antigua and Barbuda ends 2025 with momentum. With continued planning and investment, officials expect the tourism sector to grow even further.

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