Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams says Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector is projected to surpass one million cruise passenger arrivals this year as the country continues to record strong growth in visitor arrivals.

The projection was announced Tuesday during the 2026 Throne Speech delivered at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

“More than 1,000,000 cruise passengers are likely to arrive during this season,” Sir Rodney said.

The Governor-General also projected that more than 500,000 stay-over visitors will arrive in Antigua and Barbuda during the 2026 calendar year.

According to the Throne Speech, tourism remains the dominant sector of the national economy, accounting for more than 60% of the country’s gross domestic product.

“Today, more than 60% of the gross domestic product of Antigua and Barbuda is generated by tourism,” Sir Rodney said.

The address praised Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez for what the government described as strong leadership in expanding the country’s tourism product and offerings.

“My Government thanks the competent, intelligent, and affable Honourable Charles Max Fernandez for the superb leadership role he has played,” the Governor-General said.

The speech additionally highlighted ongoing investments in tourism and aviation infrastructure, including repairs and strengthening works at V.C. Bird International Airport and the opening of a new runway and terminal at Burton-Nibbs International Airport in Barbuda.

The government also linked tourism growth to broader development taking place in Barbuda, where officials say more than EC$3 billion in investment has been generated for roads, desalination plants, housing developments and other projects.

The Throne Speech described tourism as central to Antigua and Barbuda’s economic strategy and repeated the long-standing national slogan that “Tourism is Everybody’s Business.”