Antigua PM urges St John’s renewal to unlock tourism gains

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said revitalising St John’s is critical if Antigua and Barbuda is to fully capitalise on rapid tourism-driven economic growth.

Speaking to property owners at a redevelopment consultation in the capital on Wednesday, Mr Browne said the country’s economy had expanded from about US$3.6bn to US$6bn over the past decade, with projections of US$7bn within the next two years.

He said per capita income now stands at roughly US$22,000, largely fuelled by strong growth in cruise and stay-over tourism. Antigua and Barbuda is expected to welcome around one million cruise passengers this year, almost double the number recorded a decade ago.

With the central business district located close to the cruise piers, the prime minister said improving St John’s was essential for both visitors and residents.

Mr Browne added that cruise arrivals could reach two million annually within five years as port infrastructure continues to expand, including the recently completed fifth berth and related upland development.

He said redevelopment would create opportunities for higher rents, increased foot traffic and new business ventures, including short-term accommodation, urging property owners to see reinvestment as a long-term benefit.

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