The beaches, the all-inclusive resorts, the food. Antigua and Barbuda has always been a favorite of Canadian travelers. But the biggest change for the twin-island destination is that Canadians are flocking year-round.

Indeed, so far in 2024 more than 21,000 Canadians have visited Antigua and Barbuda, representing a 13 percent increase compared to the first half of 2023. 

Canadian visitation has been buoyed by already-strong demand and the debut of the new Royalton CHIC resorts by Canada-based Blue Diamond resorts. 

Of course, the destination has long been popular with Canadian travelers in large part due to the Elite Island Resorts portfolio, including properties like Hammock Cove, The Verandah Antigua and Pineapple Beach Club. 

It’s been a “strong year with Canadians,” the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Matara Richards told Caribbean Journal. 

Canadian travelers have “embraced” the destination, from its beauty and nature to its history and gastronomy, she said. 

“We will continue to showcase the dynamic, twin-island experience that makes our country unique within the Caribbean region and irresistible to travelers,” Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James said this week. 

Are you planning a trip to Antigua? It’s worth considering the St James’s Club and Villas, where we’ve stayed many times and recently did an in-depth look.