29th Caribbean Tourism Conference: Antigua & Barbuda

THE BAHAMAS- "Antigua and Barbuda has approximately 40 tourism-related new construction and renovation projects totaling nearly $1.4 billion with completion expected in the next five years," said Harold E. Lovell, Minister of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda, during a press conference at the 29th Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference in the Bahamas. The developments are a combination of new hotels, restaurants, residential properties and sports facilities. Lovell was bullish on Antigua and Barbuda's economy. "Our economy is on track to grow 12 percent in 2006, at a time when average growth throughout the Caribbean is five percent," he said. Lovell describes Antigua and Barbuda as being a, "...mid to up-market destination."

With World Cup Cricket around the corner, the Ministry of Tourism is working to ensure a strong infrastructure, including an improved and expanded road system. Lovell noted that the island is on target making preparations at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, at an estimated cost of $54 million. Lovell also drew attention to a new weekly winter charter service operated by GWV and Sunburst Vacations, to begin in late December. The flight will run on Saturdays from Boston's Logan International Airport and will help strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's second largest U.S. source market, the New England region.