$45M Airport Terminal Announced for Antigua and Barbuda

 With the first soil being turned in Saint John’s, representatives have also been busy promoting the new terminal at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The UK travel industry has enthusiastically welcomed news of the new terminal. A representative from UK travel operator Kenwood Travel observed that, “Antigua and Barbuda is one of our most important destinations. The expansion and modernisation of VC Bird International Airport will ensure that Antiguan and Caribbean Holidays from Kenwood Travel remain at the forefront of the industry, where they’ve been since the construction of the original terminal thirty years ago.”

 With “six to seven jumbo jets on the tarmac at any given time”, the Minister for Tourism, John Maginley acknowledges that the present facilities have been outgrown by the sheer demand. At the WTM meeting, the potential for further growth was discussed with major UK airlines: British Airways have committed to an extra weekly flight out of Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic were said to be similarly enthusiastic. The growth is reflected in the numbers: arrivals from UK airports were up 11% this year. The new terminal’s completion in December 2013 can only mean positive things for Antigua and Barbuda’s economic growth.

 Tourism is a critical industry in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy. Around 50% of the island’s workforce work in tourism, and the sector is responsible for nearly 60% of the nation’s GDP. With a rugged coastline and several minor islands falling under their jurisdiction, Antigua and Barbuda are renowned as the “The Land of 365 Beaches”. And if a beach for every day of the week isn’t enough for you, there is also a wealth of activity on- and off-shore: plentiful wildlife, fantastic night-clubs, sailing, scuba diving and countless other water sports. And all these and more can be enjoyed regardless of the new terminal!