Rental car operators have a new air-conditioned facility at the VC Bird International Airport from which they will be conducting their respective businesses.
This as the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has completed an $300-thousand refurbishing and re-purposing of the facility that once served as a counter for regional airlines. It is located adjacent to the eastern end of the Old Terminal Building.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said he is particularly pleased to note that the facility will be able to accommodate up to fifteen rental companies and that he is proud of the fact that all the companies that will operate there are locally owned, even while some are affiliated with well-known franchises.
He noted that as tourist arrivals to Antigua and Barbuda increase, so too will be the need for rental vehicles as this has been observed to be a growing trend.
“Car rental is a thriving industry, and its growth is a direct reflection of changing travel trends. More and more visitors are choosing to explore the island independently, and Antigua’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination has made this an attractive option. Gone are the days when tourists simply stayed within resort properties. Instead, we see a rise in Airbnb accommodations, private villas, and boutique stays, all of which contribute to the diversification of our tourism industry beyond the traditional all-inclusive model,” he observed.
He noted that a previous decision to sign an agreement for Google Maps to add to Antigua and Barbuda to its network, makes getting around the country much easier for visitors.
ABIA Chairman, Rolston Potter, described the initiative as ‘bold’ adding that it comes from a collaboration between the authority and the car rental operators.
“This project has been long in coming; to move from the curbside operation that is both unattractive and dangerous, to an aesthetically pleasing and upscale rental car facility is cause for celebration,” he stated.
Potter affirmed that the core belief of ABIA is the sustainable provision of employment and wealth creation for Antigua and Barbuda nationals. “This is a fitting example of what collaboration between ABIA and the car rental operation means,” he declared.
New ABIA Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Williams, welcomed the opening of the facility as it ensures that the desired levels of customer safety and comfort that are required at international airports are met.
“Car rentals offer unrivalled flexibility and convenience in the visitor’s journey to different destinations. Once you rent a car, you have full control over your travel path. You can stop whenever, or wherever you want allowing you to make the most of your time when traveling,” she remarked.
Also participating in the ceremony was Benjamin Quinland Jnr. who spoke on behalf of the car rental operators.
A ribbon cutting exercise took place to signal the formal opening of the facility.
