GOVERNMENT

Since 1981, Antigua and Barbuda has been governed as an independent country, with a constitutional monarchy and British style parliament. The Queen of England still remains the formal head of state.
Since its independence from Britain 30 years ago Antigua’s economy has focussed on tourism as its main form of income, with almost 80% of the workforce directly or indirectly involved within the travel and hospitality industries. Antigua is renowned as one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, with 365 beaches, crystal blue waters and year-round tropical climate.

ECONOMY

Prior to the economic downturn in 2008, Antigua enjoyed significant growth peaking in 2006 at almost 13%. During 2009 and 2010, Antigua saw negative growth in GDP which returned to positive growth in 2011 and has continued to grow since. Tourism is the largest industry sector accounting for nearly 60% of GDP and 40% of investment. Antigua is the 6th wealthiest Caribbean country on a per capita basis.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Antigua has direct flights from London, New York, Miami, Atlanta, San Juan, Montreal, Toronto and Frankfurt. VC Bird International sees almost half a million visitors a year, with over 70% arriving from Europe and the United States; 80% of all visitors to Antigua state leisure as their purpose of visiting. There is current construction of a new airport to meet demand which will have capability to handle up to 1.5 million visitors per year. It is expected the airport will be completed in March 2015. In addition to air passengers, Antigua has a very active seaport, however most visitors via sea do not stay on island whereas air passengers typically remain in Antigua for 10 days.

HOTELS AND TOURISM

Antigua has over 3,000 hotel rooms for tourists. In 2011 the average occupancy rates were for luxury and mid range accommodation (60%), with the peak in March at 81%. The mid range accommodation accounts for the highest proportion of visitors to Antigua, however it should be noted that the luxury accommodations receive highest average occupancy levels annually.

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