Antigua and Barbuda has reported a 7% increase in tourist arrivals in July as the country continues to record a “steady rebound” in visitor arrivals in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had forced the closure of borders.

The Ministry of Tourism said during July, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 24,673 visitors, an increase of 23,405 from the corresponding period last year and the 2019 record of 23,031.

Tourism officials said an influx of visitors from the United States contributed to the increase with arrivals 30% higher than in July 2019. There was also 5% growth within the United Kingdom market where arrivals stood at 5,650 in comparison to 5,378 in 2019. Arrivals from Canada grew by 1% while the Caribbean market saw a decline of 19%.

During the month, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association reported occupancy of 63% across their members. Overall, total stay over arrivals for January – July 2022 (YTD), stand at 154, 099. This is a 91% increase over the 2021 comparison of 80,509 and a 16% narrowing of the gap between the 2019 January – July totals that stood at 184,465.

Extract from the CARICOM BUSINESS Newsletter, Vol 5. No. 35

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