Fernandez Says $1.5 Billion in New Tourism Projects Planned for Antigua and Barbuda Over Next Three Years

Fernandez: $1.5B in Tourism Investments to Drive Growth Over Next Three Years

Tourism Minister and St. John’s Rural North candidate Charles “Max” Fernandez says more than US$1.5 billion in tourism-related investments are expected to flow into Antigua and Barbuda over the next two to three years, as the government pushes to expand the sector’s role in the economy.

Speaking at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) manifesto launch at the American University of Antigua Conference Centre, Fernandez described the scale of planned developments as “unprecedented,” linking them directly to job creation and economic growth.

“Together, these represent approximately 1.5 billion US dollars in investment over the next 24 to 36 months,” Fernandez said, outlining a pipeline of major hotel, residential and infrastructure projects.

Among the developments highlighted were the US$465 million Half Moon Bay project, the US$40 million Buccaneer Beach development, and the US$400 million Nikki Beach Residences. Fernandez also pointed to more than US$70 million already committed by Nobu, alongside plans for a new Marriott hotel at Yepton Beach and the continued renovation of the Jolly Beach Resort.

Additional investments include a US$55 million upgrade to VC Bird International Airport, a US$40 million waterfront development, and a US$23 million brewery project.

The minister said the surge in investment reflects confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product and economic direction.

“This did not happen by chance. It is the result of deliberate leadership, strategic investment and a clear forward-looking vision,” he said.

Fernandez added that new projects continue to come on stream, including the Eddie Caren Long Bay development, which is expected to break ground next month, and the La Mer Estate residential project in Willoughby Bay, where construction has already begun on several units.

He said the developments are expected to generate both short-term construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities, while expanding the country’s tourism offerings.

“This is what the Renaissance means in practice — more construction jobs, more permanent employment, more opportunities for local businesses, and a wider base of earnings and enterprise across our economy,” Fernandez said.

Tourism remains the central pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, and Fernandez said the government intends to continue building on recent gains, including strong post-pandemic recovery and rising visitor arrivals.

“We are not managing decline. We are building expansion. We are not reacting to change — we are shaping it,” he said.

He added that the government’s focus is not only on increasing visitor numbers, but ensuring that the benefits of tourism are broadly shared.

“We are ensuring that the gains from tourism are not concentrated in a few places, but are shared across communities throughout this country,” Fernandez said.

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