JOHN’S ANTIGUA — Antigua and Barbuda is reporting significant growth in tourism arrivals for the month of August, with a total of 18,792 visitors to the destination.

This marks an increase of 965 visitors over August 2018, which previously held the record of ‘best’ August with 17,827 visitors.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, the U.S. and U.K. markets remain the source for the majority of visitors, contributing a total of 17,306 visitors, or 92% of the total visitors arriving in August 2021. The U.S. alone accounted for 52.5% of total visitor arrivals while the U.K. was the second largest source market contributing 39.5% of arrivals.

Numbers are anticipated to increase in the winter, with flights from Canada expected to resume in November. Within the Caribbean region, airlift has also begun to pick up, with increased service from Caribbean Airlines and other carriers.

Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez attributed recent growth to strong airlift, particularly from the U.K. market. The record number of seats available from and to London Gatwick and London Heathrow resulted in the most passengers travelling out of the U.K. to Antigua in any August. The previous ‘best’ August on record for visitor arrivals from the U.K. was August 2017 when 4,956 visitors were recorded. This August, the islands welcomed 7,429 U.K. visitors, a 49.8% increase over 2017.

Earlier this year, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority launched a new advertising campaign within all its source markets. The ‘Your Space in the Sun’ campaign highlighted the twin-islands’ uncrowded beaches, outdoor attractions and airy accommodations. In addition, the Tourism Authority, alongside the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism, has promoted the safety of the destination through its ‘Sun, Sea, Safe’ campaign.