Antigua and Barbuda looks to strengthen tourism ties with the Middle East at CHOGM 2026

Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to attract more visitors from the Middle East as it works to expand its tourism sector, with plans to increase halal food options and hospitality offerings. Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism ambitions were among the topics discussed during the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which the Caribbean nation is hosting this year.Under the theme of Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth, CHOGM 2026 provided an opportunity for the country to strengthen diplomatic ties, promote cooperation and showcase its tourism and investment opportunities.Speaking exclusively to Doha News on the sidelines of the meeting, Tourism Minister Henry Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez said the government is working to attract visitors from new markets, including the Middle East, by expanding its tourism offerings and improving services for international travellers.One of the country’s main attractions is its two-island experience. “The first, I think, and most competitive edge is that when you visit Antigua, you get in two islands for the price of one, because there’s Antigua and there’s Barbuda,” Fernandez said.The country offers accommodation for different budgets, from luxury hotels and resorts to short-term rentals.“Apart from the beaches, which we [believe] is just the beginning, there’s a lot of history. We have very high-end properties, which, I mean, a lot of people may want to consider. And, of course, we have the short-term rental properties, which vary in price,” he said.The minister also highlighted Antigua’s position as a leading yachting destination in the Caribbean, with events including the RORC Caribbean 600, the Antigua Yacht Show in December and Antigua Sailing Week in April.Tourism and investment opportunitiesAntigua and Barbuda expects to welcome around 1.2 million visitors through cruise ships and air travel this year. The government aims to increase that figure to 1.5 million before the end of 2030, according to Fernandez.Tourism remains the country’s main economic driver, with the economy having grown by between 4.5% and 5% annually over the past five to six years, according to the minister.“There is a tremendous amount of opportunities in terms of investment, of course tourism being the primary driver,” Fernandez said.Fernandez also pointed to safety as an important factor in attracting tourists and investors, saying the country has the “lowest crime rate in the entire region”. He added that its safety record, alongside steady economic growth, creates opportunities for investment, particularly in the tourism sector.More halal options for visitorsAs the government looks to attract more visitors from the Middle East, it is also working to increase the availability of halal food across the hospitality industry.Fernandez said the government is opening an abattoir as part of the process of supporting halal certification. Hotels are also being encouraged to include halal options in their food offerings.“When you consider that we are reaching out now to a wider [market], different [markets], of course we have to be able to provide for the needs of all of our travellers,” he said.He added that the government wants to ensure visitors can access the services and food options they need during their stay.“We want to ensure that when anyone comes that they’ll be able to get what it is they need or what it is they require,” Fernandez said.