AGP Executive Report

Tourism Awards: Antigua and Barbuda-backed Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York saw Barbados’ Andrea Franklin named Director of Tourism of the Year and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith take Minister/Commissioner of the Year. Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy June–September run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more visits on June 17 and 23, as the port expects 15+ ship calls and thousands of visitors. Airlift Push: New airline interline deals (including LIAT 2020 with Air Caraïbes) aim to make multi-island Caribbean travel easier with single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage. Destination Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as it targets stronger global growth. Infrastructure & Tourism Development: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach redevelopment, including about three acres of reclaimed land, plus shoreline protection and new leisure/event space. Culture & Festivals: Festivals Commission Board members were sworn in to oversee Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. On-the-ground Updates: Overnight All Saints Road detours are in place for major works, and police are investigating an attack and robbery on crew members near Heritage Quay.

Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port expects a busy mid-year run with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers), plus stops June 17 and June 23, as the port rolls out a June–September schedule of 15+ ship calls to lift tourism spending. Tourism Leadership: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer (effective June 1) and names Shermain Jeremy as Regional Tourism Director for the Caribbean and Latin America. Fort James Overhaul: Cabinet has taken over the Fort James Beach redevelopment, setting aside a Royal Caribbean beach club idea and approving shoreline protection, beach replenishment, vendor spaces, and a three-acre land reclamation for an expanded heritage and leisure district. Infrastructure for Travelers: Motorists face an overnight All Saints Road detour (Buckley Line Roundabout to Herberts Junction) from 5:00 pm Sat June 6 to 7:00 am Sun June 7, with local access maintained. Market & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal for single-ticket, through-booking travel across the Caribbean and onward to Europe. Safety Update: Police are investigating a wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay, with a backpack stolen.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals reportedly rose 7% in Q1 2026. Market Push: At CHTA Marketplace, St. Kitts Tourism Authority CEO Kelly Fontenelle said she’s targeting Latin America, highlighting connectivity and airline partnerships—an approach Antigua will likely watch closely. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal for single-ticket, through-checked itineraries across the Eastern Caribbean and onward to Europe. Short-Term Rentals: CHTA releases a comprehensive framework urging smarter regulation of Caribbean short-term rentals to balance growth with oversight. Fort James Overhaul: Cabinet takes over Fort James Beach redevelopment, including shoreline protection and plans to reclaim about three acres for a larger leisure and events district, setting aside a Royal Caribbean beach club proposal. On-the-Ground Updates: All Saints Road gets an overnight detour for major works. Culture & Calendar: Antigua promotes heritage and Carnival during Caribbean Week in New York, while the Festivals Commission Board is sworn in to oversee Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Resort Spotlight: The Verandah Antigua launches a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with pro clinics and camps. Safety Note: Police investigate a wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority appoints Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rise 7% in Q1 2026 and the destination pushes deeper into global markets. Global Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda lands major UK exposure with a BBC MasterChef Finals Week episode filmed at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay, showcasing local chefs and Antiguan cuisine. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline agreement for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage across the Caribbean and onward to Europe via Paris-Orly. Culture & Community: Twelve new members are sworn in to the Festivals Commission Board under the 2026 Act, tasked with overseeing Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. Safety Update: Police seek suspects after a wounding and robbery of two vessel crew members near Heritage Quay; one victim is treated on scene, the other is in hospital (serious but stable). Infrastructure & Tourism Assets: Cabinet backs government-led redevelopment of Fort James Beach into a heritage and leisure attraction, including shoreline protection and vendor spaces. Language Policy: A new editorial argues Spanish as a second official language could strengthen ties with Latin America and better integrate the Spanish-speaking community.

Festivals Governance: Twelve members were sworn in to Antigua and Barbuda’s newly constituted Festivals Commission Board under the Festivals Commission Act 2026, with Elizabeth Makhoul as Chair and Ryan Johnson as Deputy—tasked with overseeing Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival for two-year terms. Tourism Leadership: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer (effective June 1) and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel across networks (including Antigua via V.C. Bird) with checked baggage through. Resort & Sports Tourism: The Verandah Antigua launches a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with clinics and a pro-led camp, positioning Antigua as a pickleball destination. Cruise Planning: SeaDream announced fall 2028 Caribbean voyages and New Year’s 2029 sailings with multiple overnights in St. Barths and stops including Antigua. Local Development: Cabinet approved a Fort James Beach redevelopment plan led by government, aiming to preserve heritage while expanding tourism and creating space for vendors and artisans. Public Safety: Police are searching for suspects after two vessel crew members were wounded and robbed near Heritage Quay.

Fort James Redevelopment: Cabinet has approved a government-led plan to redevelop Fort James Beach, aiming to protect its historical value while boosting tourism and recreation, including beach replenishment, shoreline protection, and reorganized vendor spaces. Safety & Security: Police are investigating an early-morning attack near Heritage Quay that left two vessel crew members wounded and a backpack stolen. Tourism Leadership: ABTA has appointed Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, as stay-over arrivals reportedly rose 7% in Q1 2026. Pickleball Tourism: The Verandah Antigua launches a Pickleball Pro Series (June 8–17) with U.S. Open champion Frank Solana leading clinics and a premium training camp. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel across combined networks. Entry Rules Tightened: Antigua and Barbuda will not grant visa waivers for travelers departing from Africa amid heightened Ebola-related precautions. Road Works: Overnight detours are set for All Saints Road as major works continue. International Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda featured on BBC MasterChef in a Finals Week episode highlighting local cuisine and landmarks.

Tourism Leadership: ABTA has named Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer and Shermain Jeremy as Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, aiming to build a stronger global brand and trade partnerships. Global Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda featured in BBC MasterChef’s Finals Week episode, with contestants cooking at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay. Luxury & Product Growth: The Verandah Antigua is launching “The Pickleball Pro Series” (June 8–17), while Nikki Beach’s $400M Residences at Jolly Beach is moving toward an early-2026 sales launch. Water Reality Check: APUA says production is at record levels, but residents still report gaps, with distribution issues and pipe aging blamed. Public Health & Travel Policy: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales is pressing Government for a clear Ebola preparedness plan as visa waivers are halted for some African travelers and screening rules tighten. Regional Connectivity: Caribbean partners met in Guadeloupe on the KARULINK project to improve maritime routes and mobility across the islands. Sports Tourism: Minister Michael Freeland says sports events are boosting Antigua’s economy beyond the racetrack, driving demand for stays and services. Infrastructure & Safety: NODS released the 2026 hurricane shelter list (46 shelters), and traffic updates continue for All Saints Road works.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Tourism ministers and officials from across the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, gathered June 1–5 under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” aiming to strengthen resilience, secure markets, and present a united Caribbean tourism front. Tourism Value Push: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling for a broader way to measure tourism’s real worth—moving beyond visitor spend to track economic value retained locally, investment in people, and environmental impact. Luxury & Development: Antigua unveiled the US$200 million Long Bay Zen Resort as “quiet luxury,” while The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua shared new details ahead of its early-2026 sales launch. Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel across English, French and beyond, with luggage checked through to final destinations. Ebola Measures: Antigua and Barbuda tightened border rules, halting visa waivers for travelers from African nations and requiring fuller travel-history disclosure amid outbreak concerns. Food Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month’s finale featured Canadian chef Devan “Chef Dev” Rajkumar, reinforcing the destination’s growing foodie draw. Sports Tourism: Minister Freeland says sports events are helping drive more stays and spending beyond the usual slow season.

New Routes & Connectivity: LIAT Air launches its first-ever direct Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) service starting July 14, with twice-weekly flights, making it easier for Caribbean travellers to link French Caribbean culture with Jamaica’s reggae-and-jerk draw. Air Access Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel with checked baggage through to final destinations, improving English–French Caribbean connections via Antigua and onward to Paris-Orly. Tourism Leadership & Industry People: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Fernandez paid tribute to tourism pioneer Theodore “Ted” Isaac, while the country also marked the passing of former senator Mary-Clare Hurst with official funeral coverage. Ebola Preparedness & Border Policy: Opposition whip Marvin Gonzales demanded details on the government’s Ebola plan as Antigua halts visa waivers for travellers from African nations and tightens screening; PM Browne defended the cautious approach, warning one case could damage tourism. Resorts & Luxury Developments: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200M) officially launched as “quiet luxury,” and The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua shared new visuals ahead of early-2026 sales. Industry Strategy: CHTA calls for a broader framework to measure tourism’s real value, including domestic economic retention, people investment, and environmental impact. Sports Tourism Push: Freeland says sports tourism can drive off-peak demand, pointing to CPL travel patterns and planned growth in major events. Disaster Readiness: NODS released the 2026 hurricane shelter list, confirming 46 public shelters across 17 disaster districts.

Luxury & Hotels: The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Antigua shared new visuals ahead of an early-2026 sales launch, positioning the $400M Jolly Beach development as branded “resort living” with 84 rooms/suites and 134 residences. New Resort Launch: Long Bay Zen Resort officially opened on Antigua’s east coast as a “quiet luxury” $200M, 113-key property, with demolition starting now and major construction slated for Q4. Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement for single-ticket, through-booking travel (with checked baggage to final destination) linking Antigua’s hub to French Caribbean routes and onward Paris Orly connections. Tourism Policy & Value: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) urged governments to adopt a broader way to measure tourism’s real value—focusing on economic retention, investment in people, and environmental impact—building on discussions from the 2026 Caribbean Travel Forum in Antigua. Ebola Border Measures: Antigua and Barbuda halted visa waivers for travelers from African nations and tightened disclosure rules, with PM Gaston Browne defending the move as necessary to protect tourism and local healthcare capacity. Local Travel Notes: All Saints Road works triggered an evening detour schedule, while police reported a motorcycle officer remains hospitalized after a crash on Sir Sydney Walling Highway. Caribbean Events: Antigua & Barbuda brought Antigua Carnival 2026 energy to Miami’s Food, Wine & Fete, previewing “Feel the Rhythm” for July 25–Aug 4.

Road Safety Spotlight: Traffic police say smoother new asphalt is being misused, with officers urging drivers to stop “careless” overtaking and follow rules on Antigua’s upgraded roads. Hurricane Readiness: NODS has released the 2026 National Hurricane Shelter List, confirming 46 public shelters across 17 disaster districts and naming district coordinators for quick local contact. Ebola Border Measures: Antigua and Barbuda has halted visa waivers for travelers from African nations and is keeping a cautious stance on direct flights, citing tourism and health system risk. US Deportation Talks: PM Gaston Browne says talks with the US hinge on numbers—Antigua/Barbuda wants no more than 10 per year, while the US reportedly pushes for 10 per month. New Luxury Resort: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200M, 113 keys) officially launched at Long Bay with “quiet luxury” positioning and construction set to ramp up in Q4. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes launched an interline agreement from Antigua’s hub, enabling single-ticket journeys and checked baggage through to final destinations. Tourism Events: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is underway, with Antigua and Barbuda among regional leaders pushing connectivity and resilience. Community & Culture: ABRCS Youth Commission ran a Fort James Beach clean-up, while Culinary Month continued with a five-chef dinner at Hodges Bay Resort featuring English Harbour Rum pairings. Sports: West Indies Academy departed for a multi-format Sri Lanka tour (June 3–27) as part of the next-gen development pathway. In Memoriam: Former Senator Mary-Clare Hurst was laid to rest following a major official funeral.

Caribbean Week in New York 2026: Caribbean tourism ministers and leaders, including Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation, are meeting in Manhattan this week to push a unified Caribbean tourism agenda under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Aviation Boost for Travelers: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage and smoother connections via Antigua and onward to Europe through Paris. Long Bay Luxury Launch: Antigua officially launched the $200M Long Bay Zen Resort (113 keys) with green-energy plans, a desalination plant, and premium “quiet luxury” positioning tied to Tourism Vision 2030. Tourism Marketing via Creators: A creator-led push (including Antigua & Barbuda) is credited with driving huge engagement and search lift, showing how real-time storytelling is reshaping destination promotion. Sargassum Worries: Ministers highlighted how seaweed impacts tourism and public health, while Antigua and Barbuda focus on sustainable solutions. Community & Culture: ABRCS Youth Commission led a Fort James Beach clean-up, and Antigua & Barbuda brought Carnival energy to Miami’s Food, Wine & Fete 2026. Sports & Development: West Indies Academy squads are heading to Sri Lanka for a multi-format development tour, with Antigua-based cricket pathways continuing to expand.

Luxury Tourism Push: Long Bay Zen Resort (US$200M) officially launched in Antigua with construction starting now and major work set for Q4 2026, pitching “quiet luxury” with green energy, desalination, AI butler service and premium rates that could reach US$5,000 a night. Resort Spotlight: Hodges Bay Resort and Spa was named to Caribbean Journal’s 2026 Cool List, praised for its art-filled design and standout guest experiences including Prickly Pear Island. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel with through-checked baggage, aimed at smoother Caribbean–Europe connections from June 1. Regional Aviation Oversight: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors met in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional meeting, with officials stressing safety, security and sustainability for small islands. CHOGM Prep: Antigua and Barbuda’s CHOGM 2026 task force reviewed accreditation, accommodation, security and transport, with a major recce set for June 7–13. Seaweed Crisis & Tourism: MP Michael Freeland and partners highlighted sargassum solutions as the seaweed threat grows, warning about health and environmental impacts. Community & Environment: ABRCS Youth Commission ran a Fort James Beach clean-up, collecting hundreds of pounds of debris to protect coastal ecosystems. Cricket & Tourism Interest: West Indies Academy squads departed Antigua for Sri Lanka (June 3–27), adding another sports-linked reason to watch the island’s regional talent. Food Culture: Five female chefs wowed diners at Hodges Bay Resort during Antigua’s Culinary Month, spotlighting Caribbean flavours and local ingredients.

Refugee Policy: PM Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will accept just 10 third-country nationals, including refugees, annually from the U.S., but only with assurances on background checks and valid travel documents. CHOGM 2026 Prep: The CHOGM task force met to push accreditation, accommodation, security, transport, and communications ahead of the June 7–13 recce and final milestones. Tourism Clean-Up: ABRCS Youth Commission volunteers led a Fort James Beach clean-up, collecting hundreds of pounds of debris to support coastal health and climate resilience. Culinary Month Spotlight: Five Caribbean female chefs wowed guests at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa with a multi-course dinner featuring English Harbour Rum pairings. Luxury Hotel Push: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, positioning it as ultra-luxury wellness tourism with better-paid jobs. Luxury Recognition: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa made Caribbean Journal’s 2026 Cool List, praised for its design and Prickly Pear Island experience. Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage starting June 1. Border Health Measures: Cabinet tightened Ebola-related screening, halting visa waivers for African travelers and requiring full 45-day travel histories. Caribbean Week in NYC: CTO’s Caribbean Week returns in New York with strong ministerial turnout, including Antigua and Barbuda leadership.

Long Bay luxury push: Antigua and Barbuda has broken ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, positioning it as a premium wellness and experiential tourism project aimed at attracting high-end guests and boosting jobs and tourism diversification. Resort buzz: Hodges Bay Resort & Spa was named to Caribbean Journal’s 2026 “Cool List,” highlighting its design-led style and Prickly Pear Island experience. Aviation upgrade: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting travelers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage—improving links between the Eastern Caribbean and Europe via Paris. Regional aviation oversight: ECCAA opened its expanded V.C. Bird headquarters to strengthen safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Tourism marketing in music: Reggae ambassador Causion is promoting Antigua with “Feels Like I’m Dreaming,” filmed locally and set for a June release. Beach spotlight: Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda ranked No. 3 on The World’s Best Beaches North America list, with powdery sand and clear water drawing attention. Health & borders: Cabinet tightened Ebola-related entry rules, halting visa waivers for African travelers and requiring fuller travel-history disclosure. Travel safety: Police appealed for help after a Carty’s Hill robbery, urging residents to secure homes and avoid sharing travel plans online. Caribbean Week in New York: CTO’s Caribbean Week returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with ministers and industry leaders meeting on airlift, sustainability, and marketing.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage—aimed at smoother multi-island travel between the Eastern Caribbean and Europe via Antigua. Luxury Tourism Boost: Antigua broke ground on the US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne pitching ultra-luxury positioning and higher pay for hotel workers; Hodges Bay Resort & Spa also earned a spot on Caribbean Journal’s 2026 Cool List. Regional Aviation Oversight: ECCAA opened an expanded headquarters complex at V.C. Bird International Airport to strengthen safety and security oversight, alongside progress toward FAA Category 1 status. Border & Health Precautions: Antigua tightened Ebola-related border measures, including halting visa waivers for African travelers and requiring fuller travel histories; health officials say Ebola risk to Montserrat remains low while monitoring malaria reports. Tourism Promotion: Causion filmed a new June release campaign video, “Feels Like I’m Dreaming,” with Elite Island Resorts, as Antigua Tourism Authority data shows strong 2025 visitor numbers. Caribbean Events: Caribbean Week returns to New York June 1 with CTO leadership and regional tourism ministers, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Sports Spotlight: Cricket West Indies named Hayley Matthews’ 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup squad, with Antigua’s Shawnisha Hector also celebrating her West Indies selection.