Residents of Antigua and Barbuda can expect a major shot in the arm to the local
economy from the country’s hosting of the 4 th Conference of the Small Islands
Developing States (SIDS) slated for late May or early June 2023.
It will be the largest conference ever hosted by the country and officials anticipate
that the economic benefits will trickle down to every facet of the economy from
accommodation to transportation and restaurants.
“These types of conferences usually have major economic spin-offs. Just think of
the impact of having between four to five thousand people visiting the country at
the same time. Transportation and every hotel room will be required. The hotels
will see full employment for the period. The transportation systems will be utilized
fully as well, and you will have people spending at restaurants around the island, as
not all will be able to stay in St. John’s,” Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to
the United Nations, Dr. Aubrey Webson stated.
Ambassador Webson was in St. John’s last week for the initial planning meetings
for the conference. He said if one isolates the revenue that will be generated from
airport travel tax, the amount will be significant.
“We will also need to increase the airlift into the country and the attendant benefits
that will accrue will be substantial for the entire economy of Antigua and
Barbuda,” he declared.
UN Under-Secretary-General, Li Junhua, noted that while the economic benefits
will be tremendous, Antigua and Barbuda will also benefit from a much elevated
public profile and reputation, coming out of a successful conference.
“We know Antigua and Barbuda has been very attractive to tourists. However,
when you host SIDS 4 with thousands of delegates from other SIDS jurisdictions;
from government, the private sector, academia, and the NGOs, they will have a
much stronger impression of the country,” he remarked.
It will also provide opportunities for students from the nation’s educational
institutions to participate, by serving as volunteers to the delegates as liaison
officers. This will also add to their life experiences.
“The visiting delegates will learn much more of the country, in addition to its
natural beauty; this will raise the profile of the country internationally, for a long
time to come,” he added.
