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Antigua and Barbuda Seen 53% growth in Airbnb Guest Arrivals, Helping Boost Local Economy. 

NEW YORK, NY (July 25, 2017) – Today, the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Airbnb signed an agreement to help drive diversified and sustainable tourism to the islands and begin dialogue about a framework for taxation on accommodation. This is intended to assist hosts to be able to pay accommodation taxes through the platform and contribute with their local community and government, as has been the case in over 275 jurisdictions around the world. The platform has been consistently collaborating with several Governments in the Caribbean, as well as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), as the region acknowledges the growing importance of home sharing in the local economy and for residents to participate in the bounty of tourism.

“Today is an important step in further strengthening the tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda by signing this partnership with Airbnb. The tourism and services industry is continually evolving, and Airbnb is the largest game changer in the accommodation sector. By working with them, we will ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is interacting with the full spectrum of visitors,” said the Honorable Asot A. Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy at the signing. 

 

“We are proud to work with Antigua and Barbuda to assist in the creation of new economic opportunities for the local economy and offer genuine experiences for travelers. Our joint efforts will highlight the culture, heritage and hospitality of local residents,” said Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb’s Public Policy lead for Central America and the Caribbean.

In Antigua and Barbuda, there are over 500 active listings listed on the Airbnb platform and a typical host has annual earnings of about USD $ 5,700. The number of guest arrivals to the islands in the last 12 months has grown by 53%, and groups tend to stay about six nights.

 

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ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

 

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors.  Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty’s Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury, boutique resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.us and follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda  Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda

 

About Airbnb:

Founded in 2008, Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where people can belong when they travel by being connected to local cultures and having unique travel experiences. Its community marketplace provides access to millions of unique accommodations from apartments and villas to castles and treehouses in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries. With Experiences, Airbnb offers unprecedented access to local communities and interests, while Places lets people discover the hidden gems of a city as recommended by the people that live there. Airbnb is people-powered and a convenient the easiest way to earn a little extra income from extra space in a home or from sharing passions, interests and cities.