The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) hosted its first Breakfast Meeting for 2025 at Royalton CHIC Antigua, welcoming invited guests from the accommodation provider segment of its membership. This strategic gathering facilitated discussions on key industry developments and priorities for the year ahead.

Industry Updates & Marketplace Opportunities

Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), provided an in-depth update on the destination’s tourism performance, major investments, and marketing initiatives.

Special guest Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), highlighted opportunities for registration at the upcoming CHTA Marketplace, the premier Caribbean travel trade event. Attendees were encouraged to explore the benefits of participation at CHTA Marketplace.

Safety & Security Initiatives

A key focus of the meeting was safety and security, particularly in the Dickenson Bay area. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, alongside Director of Policy and Planning, Mr. Soleyn, outlined proposed initiatives, including:

  • Establishing a police outpost
  • Installing CCTV cameras
  • Constructing lifeguard towers
  • Empowering special constables with powers of arrest

Minister Fernandez also emphasized the importance of sustainability standards for accommodation providers, encouraging the sector to adopt best practices for long-term growth.

Upcoming ABHTA Biennial General Meeting

ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall announced that the Bi-ennial General Meeting will be held on June 19, 2025, where a new Board of Directors will be elected. Members interested in serving in this volunteer capacity are encouraged to express their interest by reaching out to:

The ABHTA remains committed to ongoing collaboration with government and industry partners to drive innovation, security, and sustainability within Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector.

The meeting also welcomed invited guests Zach and Erich Wellemeyer from ZEN Border Intelligence.  The meeting focused on ArriveAntigua.com, an innovative platform, that is currently in operation at the V.C. Bird International Airport, designed to streamline the electronic entry and exit process for travelers to Antigua and Barbuda.

ArriveAntigua.com will provide the users with:

  1. Simple, Dynamic Interface – No app download required. Visitors can complete the online form quickly using their mobile or tablet devices.
  2. Automatic Passport Scanning – Travelers take a photo/scan of their passport, and the system automatically fills in their personal details, simplifying the process.
  3. Quick Questionnaire – Within 72 hours of their scheduled flight, visitors answer brief questions about their stay and customs declarations.
  4. Effortless Arrival and Departure – Upon completion, travelers receive a QR code that can be saved via screenshot, added to an iPhone Wallet, or accessed through email confirmation. This QR code expedites processing at Immigration and Customs, ensuring a swift and seamless entry and exit experience.

As part of its commitment to enhancing the visitor experience, ArriveAntigua.com is in the process of being extended to seaports and private jet passengers across Antigua and Barbuda.

The ABHTA encourages all stakeholders to share this exciting development with their clients. Visit ArriveAntigua.com today to experience Antigua and Barbuda’s revolutionary travel convenience.