AGP Executive Report

Carnival City Boost: Antigua Barbuda Festival Commission says the biggest stage and roof for Antigua Carnival 2026 is finished, with Prime Minister Browne directing next upgrades to the venue. Luxury Tourism Push: Browne defends Sandals’ planned overwater bungalows (not in the middle of the beach) and says Sandals will pay a $6.5m tax settlement as expansion adds 100+ rooms. Tax System Review: Browne questions the ABST structure, arguing hotels can offset big ABST collections through input credits, and orders finance officials to examine alternatives. New Tourism Capacity: Government plans $13.5m in upgrades at Jolly Beach Resort, including better internet, new A/C units, and a conference facility for up to 500. Beach + Reef Plan: Browne outlines “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point—an artificial beach and reef meant for public enjoyment, conflict resolution, and marine learning. Inclusive Stays: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa publicly welcome LGBTQIA+ travellers for Pride Month. Blue Economy Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda appoints marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for coastal resilience and the ocean economy. Local Talent Spotlight: Students win FCCA environmental poster and essay honours, with awards presented at the Ministry of Tourism. Travel Inspiration: Hermitage Bay Antigua earns Condé Nast Traveler’s inaugural Triple Crown. On-the-ground Safety: Police investigate after cannabis was found in a 14-year-old student’s school bag.

Luxury Tourism Push: PM Gaston Browne defended Sandals Grande Antigua’s planned overwater bungalows, saying they’ll be placed toward the groyne (not mid-beach) and that Antigua must keep expanding luxury offerings to stay competitive. Tax & Resort Expansion: Sandals agreed to pay the government $6.5 million in a tax settlement as it moves ahead with a $100M+ expansion adding 100+ rooms, including about 16 overwater bungalow units. Jolly Beach Update: Browne says Club Med and TUI are among parties interested in acquiring Jolly Beach Resort, while the government also announced $13.5 million in upgrades—new A/C, better internet, and a conference facility for up to 500. Blue Economy & Climate: Antigua and Barbuda appointed marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, aiming to boost coastal protection and attract funding. Pride Month Hospitality: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa publicly reaffirmed LGBTQIA+ welcome and inclusion messages for Pride Month. CHOGM Preparations: Government says CHOGM planning is advancing across logistics, security, transport, accommodation and protocol, with strong international interest and local volunteer sign-ups. Education & Tourism Talent: Antigua and Barbuda students won top honours in FCCA environmental poster and essay competitions, with awards presented at the Ministry of Tourism. Cruise Growth Signals: A major cruise port operator is moving toward negotiations for a new St. Vincent and the Grenadines cruise port deal—another reminder of how fast regional cruise competition is heating up.

Luxury Travel Push: Limitless Sky Partners with Blue Ocean Club to sell seamless sea-to-sky private jet + superyacht itineraries, with one advisor handling the full trip. Tourism Policy & Tax: PM Gaston Browne says about 130 people have signed up for the UWI Five Islands law programme, while also questioning ABST’s structure after claiming hotels can offset big tax take with input credits. Resort Expansion Watch: Sandals agrees to pay Antigua and Barbuda $6.5m in a tax settlement as it plans a major Grande Antigua expansion adding 100+ rooms and new overwater bungalows. Jolly Beach Update: Browne says $13.5m in upgrades are coming to Jolly Beach Resort, including new conference capacity for up to 500. New Public Attraction: “Peace Beach” at Barnacle Point is planned as a public beach and artificial reef project tied to marine conservation and conflict resolution ahead of CHOGM 2026. Hospitality Inclusivity: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa publicly reaffirm LGBTQIA+ welcome during Pride Month. Cruise Growth Angle: PM Browne says Club Med and TUI are among parties interested in acquiring Jolly Beach, but government wants to avoid losing too many rooms. Global Recognition: Hermitage Bay Antigua earns Condé Nast Traveler’s inaugural Triple Crown. Blue Economy Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda appoints marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for coastal resilience and the ocean economy. CHOGM Prep: Cabinet reports steady CHOGM 2026 progress, with strong international accommodation and travel planning underway.

Cruise Growth: Antigua’s off-season tourism gets a boost as Rhapsody of the Seas makes its first summer call to Port Zante, with nine scheduled visits planned from June through September. Pride & Hospitality: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa publicly reaffirm LGBTQIA+ welcome during Pride Month, aiming to make guests feel “at ease” and valued. Luxury Recognition: Hermitage Bay Antigua earns Condé Nast Traveler’s inaugural Triple Crown, adding to its reputation for secluded, high-end stays. Blue Economy & Climate: Antigua appoints marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, while Japan talks focus on fisheries support and sargassum processing solutions. CHOGM Prep: Cabinet updates show CHOGM 2026 planning moving ahead across logistics, security, transport, accommodation and protocol, with strong local volunteer interest. Regional Tourism Business: Barbados is named host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, announced during Antigua’s successful CTM.

LGBTQIA+ Welcome Push: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa have publicly reaffirmed they welcome LGBTQ+ travellers during Pride Month, promising guests “belonging” and a stay free of “unspoken questions.” Youth & Environment: Antigua and Barbuda students cleaned up in FCCA environmental poster and essay competitions, with awards presented at the Ministry of Tourism HQ. Climate/Blue Economy: Marine scientist Dr. Deborah Brosnan has been named Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy, as Antigua and Barbuda ramps up coastal protection and marine conservation funding. Japan Partnership: Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. met Japanese officials on support for fisheries and agriculture, including possible help to modernize fisheries infrastructure and markets. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda showcased its culture and cuisine at BBC MasterChef finals week, with filming tied to Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay. Cruise Season Focus: Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez urged higher service standards as Antigua looks to grow cruise tourism, while Rhapsody of the Seas begins off-season calls with nine scheduled visits. CHOGM Prep: Government says CHOGM 2026 planning is advancing across logistics, security, transport, accommodation and protocol, with hundreds of volunteers already interested.

Tourism Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture got a major UK boost as the destination featured on BBC MasterChef Finals Week, with contestants cooking at Nelson’s Dockyard and visiting local culinary talent. Cruise Growth: Antigua Cruise Port is preparing for a busier summer season as Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas ramps up calls, supporting off-season demand. Regional Trade: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association named Barbados as host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, after Antigua’s successful 2026 hosting—an important B2B signal for regional tourism business. CHOGM Readiness: Work on the Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track ahead of CHOGM 2026, with officials inspecting progress and a pledged pool expansion adding community value. Inclusion in Hospitality: Two Antigua resorts—Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Resort and Spa—publicly reaffirm LGBTQ+ welcome messages aimed at making guests feel at ease. Policy Watch: Government says it will tighten work permit rules by requiring stronger proof that jobs were advertised locally, as it pushes first preference for domestic employment.

CHOGM Countdown: Antigua and Barbuda’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting preparations are moving steadily, with officials reporting progress across logistics, security, transport, accommodation, protocol and event management, plus strong local volunteer interest. Cruise Readiness: Tourism stakeholders were urged to raise service standards as Antigua charts future cruise growth, with the cruise season review highlighting that the visitor experience depends on everyone from port workers to taxi operators. Sports & Community Upgrade: The Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track for completion ahead of CHOGM, including new hard courts, lighting and fencing, with officials targeting substantial completion by Sept. 30. Tourism Marketing Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture landed on BBC MasterChef’s finals week episode, filmed at Nelson’s Dockyard and Jumby Bay, giving the destination a major UK audience boost. Regional Tourism Business: CHTA named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, announced during this year’s event in Antigua. Visa Shock Ripple: The US denied a visa renewal to newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief, adding to regional concerns about tighter US travel rules tied to citizenship-by-investment scrutiny. Language & Skills Push: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Spanish support from Spain, including lecturers, training and possible creation of a Spanish language and cultural institute—aimed at boosting tourism and workforce readiness. Sargassum Plan: Japan is being considered for technical assistance to turn sargassum into marketable products, tackling disposal challenges while creating new opportunities. Work Permits Tightened: Government plans stricter work permit rules, requiring proof of extensive vacancy advertising across multiple platforms to prioritize locals. LGBTQ+ Welcome Signals: Two Antigua resorts publicly reaffirmed LGBTQ+ inclusion, using social media ads featuring same-sex couples and “belonging is essential” messaging.

Work Permits: Government says it will tighten work permit rules, requiring employers to prove local vacancies were advertised across multiple independent platforms before foreign labor is approved. CHOGM 2026 Readiness: Preparations for the Commonwealth summit are advancing steadily, with strong international accommodation and travel interest; meanwhile, the Potters Playing Field redevelopment is on track, and PM Browne has pledged funding to expand the pool as works near completion. Cruise Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is pushing for stronger cruise growth and higher service standards as Rhapsody of the Seas continues summer off-season calls; Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez urged stakeholders to raise professionalism to protect the visitor experience. Regional Tourism Trade: CHTA has named Barbados host for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, signaling continued regional B2B momentum. Sargassum Plan: Antigua and Barbuda is exploring Japanese technical support to turn sargassum into marketable products, with disposal flagged as the main hurdle. Visa Shock Ripple: The U.S. visa denial of newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief (and reported denial for his wife) highlights tightening travel scrutiny across the region. On-the-Ground Safety: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound. Tourism Marketing Push: Antigua and Barbuda spotlighted at CTO Caribbean Week in New York, while Air Peace continues marketing the destination to Nigerian travelers.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Rhapsody of the Seas made its first 2026 summer call to St. Kitts’ Port Zante, bringing about 2,360 passengers and kicking off nine scheduled visits that keep cruise demand strong even in the off-season. CHOGM Prep & Sports Facilities: Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Michael Freeland and High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill inspected the Potters Playing Field redevelopment, with three new hard courts (basketball, netball, volleyball) and covered seating for about 225 each, as work pushes toward completion ahead of CHOGM in November. Visa Pressure on Tourism Leaders: A U.S. visa renewal denial for newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief (and reports of his wife) is raising alarms across the region about tightening U.S. access tied to citizenship-by-investment screening. Public Health Advisory: Trinidad and Tobago activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising against travel to affected countries and adding enhanced screening for arrivals. Tourism Marketing Push: Air Peace is promoting Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travelers ahead of direct service, spotlighting major attractions to drive West African bookings. Safety at Sea: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound. Sustainability & Infrastructure: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives, focusing on sewage treatment upgrades in St. John’s and broader development priorities ahead of CHOGM.

Public Health Alert: Trinidad and Tobago has activated precautionary Ebola measures, advising people to avoid travel to Ebola-affected countries (DRC, South Sudan, Uganda) and to expect enhanced screening on arrival—no Ebola cases reported in the Caribbean so far. U.S. Visa Shock for Tourism Leaders: Dominica’s PM Skerrit declined to comment on the U.S. decision not to renew CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief’s visa, amid concerns the move is tied to partial travel restrictions affecting Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Safety on the Water: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive excursion near North Sound; an autopsy is expected. Sewage & Coast Protection: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives ahead of CHOGM 2026, flagging sewage treatment upgrades in St. John’s and broader resilience priorities. Tourism Marketing Push: Air Peace is promoting Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travelers ahead of direct service, spotlighting major attractions. Luxury Development: Construction has begun on the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, positioned as a premium tourism play with a focus on staff wages. Road Updates: Overnight detours are planned for All Saints Road works, with local access maintained. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Nevis launched its “Spring Into Summer” campaign to boost off-season arrivals with festivals, wellness and hotel packages.

Luxury Tourism Push: Antigua and Barbuda welcomed construction of the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, with PM Gaston Browne pitching premium stays and pledging support for staff pay and Vision 2030 tourism goals. Cruise Momentum: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ ship calls from June to September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9, bringing thousands and boosting local tourism businesses. Blue Economy in Schools: The Blue Economy marked World Ocean Day with a first-ever school-led public mural campaign, aiming to spread ocean stewardship messages at home. Sewage & Coast Protection: Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative representatives ahead of CHOGM 2026, focusing on sewage treatment upgrades in St. John’s and more accessible, resilient urban corridors. Airlift Marketing: Air Peace continues promoting Antigua and Barbuda to Nigerian travelers despite setbacks, highlighting direct service and key attractions. On-Island Safety Update: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. visitor who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound; an autopsy is expected. Road Disruption: All Saints Road detours are planned overnight as major works run between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction.

Blue Economy Education Push: Antigua and Barbuda marked World Ocean Day by unveiling a new school-focused campaign, using a mural to bring Blue Economy messages to primary pupils and spread the word at home. CHOGM Prep Partnerships: Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner met Sustainable Markets Initiative reps, flagging priorities like St. John’s sewage upgrades and more disability-friendly urban corridors ahead of CHOGM 2026. Luxury Tourism Investment: PM Gaston Browne welcomed construction of the US$200m Long Bay Zen Resort, pitching it as premium, staff-focused luxury aligned with Vision 2030. Cruise Momentum: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ ship calls from June to September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9, bringing thousands of visitors. Safety Alert for Visitors: Police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old U.S. tourist who became unresponsive during a scuba dive near North Sound; an autopsy is expected. Roadworks for Travelers: Overnight detours are planned on All Saints Road between Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction, with businesses staying open. Regional Tourism Pressure: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warned that U.S. visa renewal denials could disrupt Caribbean tourism and business travel. Nevis Off-Season Boost: Nevis launched its “Spring Into Summer” campaign with culture, wellness, adventure and hotel packages to attract visitors in the slower season.

Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy June–September run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more calls on June 17 and June 23, as the port expects 15+ cruise ship visits and thousands of visitors. Tourism Promotion: Antigua and Barbuda used Caribbean Week in New York to push culture, heritage and Carnival, with a TV appearance highlighting Nelson’s Dockyard, Barbuda’s frigate bird sanctuary, local rum and Culinary Month. Airlift Push: New interline deals across the region aim to reduce hassle and cost from fragmented Caribbean air travel, improving connections for island-hopping passengers. Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denials tied to restrictions affecting Antigua and Barbuda could ripple through Caribbean travel and business. Local Jobs & Services: Jumby Bay Island advertised for an Estate House Gardener role supporting ultra-luxury grounds and guest-ready estates. Road Disruption: Overnight detours are planned on All Saints Road for major works, with businesses staying open. Industry Governance: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach redevelopment, setting aside a Royal Caribbean beach club plan and moving ahead with a leisure and event-focused vision. Safety & Enforcement: Four men charged after a major Pares Village cannabis seizure were granted $500,000 bail with strict reporting and travel conditions.

Drug Case in Court: Four men charged after a June 4 Pares Village raid—1,200+ pounds of cannabis seized—were granted $500,000 bail each, with strict reporting and travel limits. Tourism Leadership & Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority names Charmaine Spencer as Chief Marketing Officer, as stayover arrivals rise 7% in Q1 2026. U.S. Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denial could signal wider fallout for Caribbean travelers and tourism business ties. Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port expects 15+ ship calls from June to September, starting with Rhapsody of the Seas on June 9. Road Works Detours: All Saints Road gets overnight detours (Buckley Line Roundabout to Herberts Junction) with one-way sections and flag persons. Regional Airlift Push: New interline partnerships aim to make hopping between Caribbean islands easier, reducing separate tickets and layovers. Fort James Plan: Cabinet backs Fort James Beach redevelopment, including about three acres of reclaimed land for an expanded leisure and event district.

Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy mid-year run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (after a June 3 stop) and more visits on June 17 and June 23, as the port expects 15+ cruise calls from June to September. Destination Spotlight: A new travel feature puts Dickenson Bay Beach front and center, praising its calm blue water, white sand, and the iconic red phone booth. Tourism Leadership: ABTA has named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as stayover arrivals rose 7% in Q1 2026 and the authority pushes deeper global marketing. Regional Connectivity: New airline interline partnerships aim to reduce hassle for Caribbean travelers, including smoother links involving LIAT and Air Caraïbes for multi-island itineraries. Policy & Safety Watch: CHTA is urging smarter regulation of short-term rentals across the region, while Antigua police continue a search after two vessel crew members were wounded and robbed near Heritage Quay. Culture & Heritage: Antigua and Barbuda used Caribbean Week in New York to promote Nelson’s Dockyard, Barbuda’s frigate bird sanctuary, Culinary Month, and Carnival.

Tourism Awards: Antigua and Barbuda-backed Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York saw Barbados’ Andrea Franklin named Director of Tourism of the Year and BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith take Minister/Commissioner of the Year. Cruise Boost: Antigua Cruise Port is gearing up for a busy June–September run, with Rhapsody of the Seas returning June 9 (2,026 passengers) and more visits on June 17 and 23, as the port expects 15+ ship calls and thousands of visitors. Airlift Push: New airline interline deals (including LIAT 2020 with Air Caraïbes) aim to make multi-island Caribbean travel easier with single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage. Destination Marketing: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority named Charmaine Spencer Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 1, as it targets stronger global growth. Infrastructure & Tourism Development: Cabinet approved a government-led Fort James Beach redevelopment, including about three acres of reclaimed land, plus shoreline protection and new leisure/event space. Culture & Festivals: Festivals Commission Board members were sworn in to oversee Antigua Carnival and the One Nation Festival. On-the-ground Updates: Overnight All Saints Road detours are in place for major works, and police are investigating an attack and robbery on crew members near Heritage Quay.