Antigua and Barbuda has taken a “decisive step” on the Caribbean tourism chessboard with the opening of the brand new Barbuda Worldwide Airport on October 3.
This strategic growth, which features a state-of-the-art FBO – one among just a few within the area – positions the twin-island nation as a brand new main participant in attracting luxurious vacationers and personal jet prospects.
The primary-class facility options an 1,800-meter LED-lit runway and trendy facilities, permitting direct connections to a number of nations world wide. Carriers akin to Liat 20, BMN Air And Calvin Sky are already prepared to ascertain these connections with Barbuda.
As well as, the $14 million airport is provided to deal with bigger plane, and personal jets can be served by a brand new Mounted Base Operator (FBO) – a facility that may present fueling, upkeep, hangar storage and passenger facilities akin to non-public lounges.
An FBO usually affords a extra unique stage of service, catering to the consolation and particular wants of luxurious vacationers – a particularly enticing characteristic for worldwide celebrities who usually use non-public jets as their most popular mode of transportation.
That is particularly notable contemplating that 2024 journey tendencies have revealed that wherever celebrities like Taylor Swift or well-known athletes go, their followers observe.
“A global airport is a recreation changer for Barbuda as we goal to draw luxurious vacationers and personal jet house owners from all around the world to Barbuda and expertise the island’s magnificence, pink sand seashores, eco experiences, wellness attributes and tradition to all our company. guests,” stated Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
As well as, the complete LED runway lighting system implies that Barbuda can now host common night time landings, additional increasing the island’s skill to draw new vacationers.
“We’ve got taken daring steps to modernize this island and be certain that air hyperlinks are second to none on this area in order that Barbuda can even profit from the outstanding development in tourism in our nation that we’ve seen this 12 months,” stated the nation’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transport, the Hon. Charles Fernandez.
The opening of this new worldwide transport hub comes at a vital time for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda. From January to August 2024, the vacation spot obtained 229,225 in a single day guests – a rise of 17 p.c in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months, and 13% greater than in 2019, when the nation had its greatest tourism 12 months ever.
Extra excellent news. The federal government additionally introduced that the nation is predicted to obtain a document variety of cruise ships, additional boosting tourism numbers.
“For the primary time ever, Barbuda will see 23 luxurious cruise ships bringing 5,039 cruise passengers to this stunning island for the upcoming winter cruise season,” and in addition confirmed their plans to additional increase the airport (BIA).
“This new Barbuda Worldwide Airport is a shining testomony to our authorities’s visionary management,” Fernandez concluded.