Some of the best beaches in the world (365 of them, to be exact). A world-class culinary scene. The Caribbean’s greatest concentration of luxury all-inclusive resorts. A vibrant, dynamic cultural offering. And an indescribable, almost curative energy all across the destination, one that just takes your stress level down a few notches and puts you in a different, deeper state of mind. 

Antigua and Barbuda is a place that has its own personality, its own take on luxury, its own abundant wellness identity and a unique brand of Caribbean cool. 

And that mix of strengths has led to what has become a Caribbean-leading tourism destination. 

So far this year, Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed just under 177,000 stopover visitors – a sizzling 15 percent increase compared to the first half of 2023 – and putting it right at the top of the Caribbean region. 

Even more importantly, that number is a 10 percent increase from what had been a record-breaking tourism year in 2019, before the onset of the pandemic. 

The tourism growth was fueled by continued strength out of major markets like the US, Canada and the UK, along with a very strong performance hosting caches of the T20 World Cricket Cup tournament — one that included a very clever activation called “Beach 366.”

Even better? There’s serious momentum, with June 2024 setting an all-time record for growth — with a 42 percent improvement over June 2023. 

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our team in the markets of the USA, UK and Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and the leadership provided by the Board of Directors,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez. “They have created a seamless operation in collaboration with my Ministry and the ABHTA.”

Are you planning a vacation to Antigua and Barbuda right now? 

Don’t miss the world-class all-inclusive resorts in the Elite Island Resorts portfolio, from the bucket-list Hammock Cove to the dazzling new adults-only resort, The Verandah. 

The property also has some lovely, charming small hotels to try, from the historic Admiral’s Inn to the Inn at English Harbour and the boutique South Pointe resort. 

That’s along with some legendary luxury resorts like Carlisle Bay, Jumby Bay and Curtain Bluff, just to name a few. 

On Barbuda, it’s all about castaway-chic luxury, from the absolutely lovely Barbuda Belle boutique hotel to the Caribbean’s coolest beach lounge: Nobu Barbuda. 

To learn more, visit Antigua and Barbuda.