GCC tourist numbers to the Antigua and Barbuda are set to climb next year with the opening of new five-star hotels and other rapid developments aimed at attracting visitors from the region.

The twin islands, with 365 sandy beaches to choose from and sparkling clear warm water, is reporting significant growth in tourists so far in 2018, with a more than 7 per cent increase compared to the first half of 2017.

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism and Investment, Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, said: “We are looking forward to more tourists from the GCC region visiting the islands. Brands such as Rosewood, Waldorf Astoria, Best Western Premier and Marriott, have recently invested in high-end luxury accommodation on the islands.”

Fernandez added: “We are excited by this positive momentum in the growth of arrivals, both by cruise and air. It is incredibly encouraging for the tourism industry, and I would like to congratulate the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the private sector, stakeholders and all our tourism partners on helping us reach these positive results for the first six months of the year.

“We will not rest on our laurels and are striving for better. We will continue to invest in infrastructure and service and raise awareness of Antigua and Barbuda, to ensure we see consistent growth in tourist flow.”

Also, Barbados-based company, Elegant Hotels, is spearheading a new Hodges Bay project. The five-star Hodges Bay is set to open in the autumn. - TradeArabia News Service