A delegation from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), led by CEO Colin James, is in Hong Kong this week attending Routes World 2025, a premier aviation industry forum that brings together airlines, airports, and tourism officials from around the globe.
Dean Fenton, US Director of Tourism, said the team has scheduled more than 40 high-level appointments with regional and international carriers to negotiate expanded services.
“Our goal is simple,” Fenton explained. “We’re here to strengthen relationships, explore opportunities for increased frequency, and secure more flights into Antigua and Barbuda. Routes gives us the platform to do exactly that.”
For Antigua and Barbuda, airlift is more than convenience—it is lifeblood. With no land connections to larger markets, visitors must arrive by air or sea, and flights remain the most direct and scalable option.
Norrell Joseph, Sales and Marketing Manager for the USA, emphasised the importance of the annual Routes event, noting, “This conference allows us to engage our airline partners in meaningful conversations about the needs of our destination”. “We bring feedback from travel partners on challenges they face getting clients to Antigua and Barbuda, and we work to find solutions. Increased frequency, additional nonstop gateways, and stronger partnerships are essential to growing our markets.”
Antigua and Barbuda enjoys nonstop services from major U.S. hubs, London, and seasonal flights from Germany. However, the team is pushing for greater connectivity across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Joseph noted that Routes World 2025 also provides a chance to raise awareness among new markets.
“Already, we’ve had conversations with people who admitted they had never heard of Antigua before. These exchanges may not be the main purpose of the conference, but they’re valuable in sparking interest and planting seeds for future travel demand,” he said.
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation remains focused on walking away from Routes World with commitments that will translate into tangible benefits for the twin-island nation, to include more flights, stronger airline partnerships, and ultimately, more visitors.
