Prime Minister Gaston Browne says crime reduction is a central pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism strategy, arguing that public safety is a prerequisite for attracting and sustaining high-value tourism.

Addressing the World Government Summit in Dubai, Browne said destinations seeking to compete in the global luxury tourism market must offer a safe and secure environment for both visitors and residents.

“These efforts are being supported by strident investments in containing crime and violence, thereby providing a safe and secured environment for our guests and locals alike,” Browne said.

He linked national security directly to tourism competitiveness, noting that a high-end tourism product cannot thrive in an environment marked by disorder, fear or instability.

Browne said crime containment is not being treated as a separate law-and-order issue, but as an integral component of tourism policy and national development. According to the prime minister, public safety underpins visitor confidence, investment decisions and the overall credibility of a destination.

He said the government’s approach to tourism reform includes parallel efforts to improve urban conditions, environmental management and public order, alongside security initiatives, to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product aligns with evolving global expectations.

As travellers increasingly seek destinations that offer not only luxury and authenticity but also safety and stability, Browne said security must be viewed as foundational to sustainable tourism growth.

“Tourism is a national development strategy,” he said, adding that the visitor experience is shaped as much by safety and order as by hotels, beaches and amenities.

Browne said the government remains focused on creating an environment where residents and visitors alike can live, work and move freely, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s positioning as a competitive, high-value tourism destination.