Hotelier Andrew Michelin says Antigua and Barbuda should expand its air connections with Europe and position itself for a dedicated first-class cabin on British Airways, arguing that the country’s rising luxury inventory and strong tourism performance justify the push.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne show, Michelin said Europe remains an underutilised source market despite having “a massive market, about 300 million people.” He noted that German and Italian travellers, in particular, are strong prospects because they do not have natural Caribbean partners the way France, Spain, and the Netherlands do.
Michelin said he is making “a big push into Europe” for his properties and believes Antigua and Barbuda can attract more direct service from the continent. He pointed out that, at present, travellers from markets such as Germany and Italy are forced to transit through London, a process he described as increasingly inconvenient due to post-Brexit travel requirements.
He said a direct connection from Europe to Antigua would remove unnecessary hurdles for potential visitors and open new opportunities for hoteliers across the island.
Michelin also urged a coordinated effort to secure a first-class cabin on British Airways’ Antigua route, saying the destination’s growing collection of high-end resorts supports the business case.
He argued that Antigua and Barbuda now competes strongly with rival destinations and pointed to the country’s luxury offerings, including properties consistently ranked among the top accommodations in the region.
“We have Jumby Bay and we have a few other upscale [properties] who would like to have this service,” Michelin said as he made the case for a first-class product on the BA route.
He added that Antigua’s increased connectivity, including LIAT’s renewed operations, strengthens the island’s positioning as a regional hub for visitors who may also travel to other Caribbean destinations.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the comments, saying the government agrees that Antigua’s expanding luxury sector will support improved premium airlift. He said the country’s continued development will make a strong business case for airlines seeking high-value markets.