In a decisive response to evolving global travel regulations, Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez has unequivocally reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to maintaining open borders for international visitors. The announcement came through a strategic video address detailing the government’s tourism roadmap extending to 2026.
Minister Fernandez directly addressed recent visa policy modifications implemented by various nations, acknowledging their impact on global travel patterns while simultaneously emphasizing that such developments would not alter his country’s fundamental approach to tourism. ‘Despite the recently announced visa mandate affecting global travel, Antigua and Barbuda remains open for business and open to the world,’ Fernandez stated with deliberate emphasis.
The minister specifically highlighted the United States market as particularly resilient and crucial to the nation’s tourism economy. Fernandez expressed substantial confidence in the enduring strength of this bilateral travel relationship, characterizing the U.S. as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s ‘most important and resilient tourism markets.’
Fernandez further elaborated that connectivity, accessibility, and openness constitute the foundational pillars of the nation’s tourism strategy. This position remains steadfast even as numerous governments worldwide continue to recalibrate entry protocols in response to heightened geopolitical tensions and security assessments. The minister’s message concluded with a blanket welcome to visitors from all global source markets, ensuring the destination’s competitive stance in the international tourism landscape.