Tourism is the cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, making its long-term strength essential to the country’s future. In this Take 5, Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in Canada, shares how the destination is protecting its natural assets, broadening its tourism offering and creating more opportunities for locally-owned businesses to thrive.

1. What does sustainable tourism mean for Antigua and Barbuda?

“For us, sustainable tourism is about protecting the future of an industry that is central to our economy and to the lives of our people. It means caring for the natural environment, strengthening our tourism product and ensuring that growth creates meaningful opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans.

“It is not one initiative or one campaign. It is about looking at how tourism develops over the long term and making choices that benefit both visitors and local communities.”

2. How is the destination protecting the natural environment travellers come to experience?

“We know that our beaches, reefs, wildlife and surrounding waters are among the reasons people choose Antigua and Barbuda. Protecting those assets is essential. Work underway includes reef restoration, responsible fishing initiatives and the continued protection of Redonda, which has undergone a remarkable ecological restoration. We are also looking carefully at how visitor activity is managed so that people can experience these places without compromising them for the future.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s current sustainability work includes the Redonda Restoration Project, coral-reef rehabilitation and the development of a Green Corridor focused on environmentally responsible tourism.

3. How are Antigua and Barbuda developing a tourism product that goes beyond the beach?

“The beach will always be an important part of our appeal, but it is only the beginning of what travellers can experience here. We are continuing to grow our cultural, culinary, wellness, sailing, sports and community-based offerings. These experiences and programs give visitors more ways to connect with the destination and create reasons to travel throughout the year, not only during the traditional winter season. They also allow more local chefs, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs and communities to participate directly in tourism.”

4. What recent developments are helping make the tourism industry more resilient?

“Accessibility and infrastructure are an important part of resilience. Improvements at V.C. Bird International Airport, Barbuda’s new international airport and Antigua’s new cruise terminal are strengthening the arrival experience and creating new possibilities for the destination. We are also maintaining strong relationships with established markets such as Canada, while developing connections with Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean and other regions. A wider visitor base, stronger infrastructure and a more varied tourism product all help build a healthier industry.”

The new cruise terminal opened in January 2026, work is underway at V.C. Bird International Airport, and Barbuda’s new airport is supporting the island’s growing tourism sector.

5. How can travel advisors use this story to help sell Antigua and Barbuda?

“First, advisors should complete our certified agent program to improve their knowledge of our destination. I would also encourage advisors to begin by asking clients what they want beyond a beautiful beach. Are they interested in food, history or sailing? Do they want a wellness experience, or to connect with nature or local culture? Antigua and Barbuda can cater to any (or all of these experiences) in a trip.

“There is also an opportunity to build more thoughtful itineraries by pairing a resort stay with locally led excursions, cultural events, independent restaurants and day trips to other parts of the island, or to the beautiful Barbuda.

“The more advisors understand the range of experiences available, the easier it becomes to match the destination to different travellers, whether they are planning a family vacation, honeymoon, wellness escape, culinary trip or active getaway.”

Visit visitantiguabarbuda.com to learn more about Antigua and Barbuda’s calendar of events, and what’s happening on the islands.

Lead image caption: Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in Canada