Antigua’s tourism infrastructure is undergoing a significant transformation with the development of a new purpose-built cruise terminal, marking a pivotal shift from temporary operations to a permanent economic catalyst. This 10,000-square-foot facility, now operational, represents the initial phase of a comprehensive upland development project scheduled for full completion by July 2026.
The terminal’s activation has already generated approximately 70 local jobs, with employment figures projected to more than double upon the project’s culmination. This growth is intrinsically linked to the planned integration of retail outlets, diverse dining facilities, and a premium day club featuring a pool. Antigua Cruise Ports General Manager Gasper George emphasized the development’s core mission: to systematically integrate local entrepreneurs into the cruise tourism ecosystem. The company has formally issued a call for Antiguan business owners to submit commercial proposals for operating stores within the complex.
This $60 million investment, spearheaded by Global Ports Holding in partnership with the Antiguan government since 2019, is already demonstrating substantial returns. Cruise tourism metrics have surged dramatically, with the nation anticipating nearly one million passenger arrivals this year—almost double the pre-partnership figures. Government officials assert that this strategic expansion is designed to ensure that the sector’s growth directly translates into tangible improvements in living standards for citizens, creating a sustainable economic model that benefits the local community.
The development replaces the interim market tent that previously housed homeporting operations when services commenced in 2022, signaling a new era of professionalism and capacity for the island’s cruise industry.