The Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism has reported strong growth in tourism air arrival for August 2021. Recently released statistics from the tourism ministry show that stayover air arrivals for August 2021 totaled 18,792 visitors to the destination, an increase of 965 visitors over August 2018, which previously held the record of “best” August with 17,827 visitors.
The U.S. and U.K. remained the main source markets, combining a total of 17,306 visitors or 92 percent of the total visitors arriving in August 2021. The U.S. market continues to dominate as the main source market with 52.5 percent of the total visitor arrivals while the U.K. contributed 39.5 percent of the total visitor arrivals.
Flights from Canada are expected to resume in November, while within the Caribbean region, airlift began to pick-up with increased service from Caribbean Airlines and other carriers.
Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez attributes the growth to Antigua and Barbuda’s strong airlift performance for the month of August from the U.K. market. “The month of August saw a record number of seats available from the U.K. The all-time high capacity out of the U.K. for the month of August along with the fact that the flights were operating from and to the two main airports, London Heathrow and London Gatwick, not only made it more convenient for travel from and to London, but it also allowed for more convenient connections from and to cities in Europe," he said in a press release.
The Ministry highlighted that previously the “best” August on record in respect of visitor arrivals from the U.K. was August 2017 when 4,956 persons visited the islands. In August 2021, there were a total of 7,429 visitors or a 49.8 percent increase on the number of visitors in 2017.
“We also continue to see a steady growth from the dominant U.S. market, which has aided in boosting our August Arrivals,” Fernandez noted. “This is despite reduced airlift capacity from the U.S., for the month of August when compared to July.”
Earlier this year, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority had released an advertising campaign, “Your Space In The Sun,” within all its source markets, highlighting the twin-islands’ uncrowded beaches, outdoor attractions and airy accommodation.
The Tourism Authority alongside the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism have also strongly promoted the message of safety amongst industry partners and visitors through its “Sun, Sea, Safe” campaign.
“Looking ahead to the winter 2021, we continue to stress the importance of adherence to protocols by visitors and industry partners and vaccination awareness,” the tourism minister said.
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