Antigua---Aug. 31, 2006---The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism announced today a boom in development with 40 tourism-related new construction and renovation projects totaling nearly $1.4 billion to be completed in the next five years. The development is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s overall strategic plan to expand and strengthen the destination experience for guests. A combination of new hotels, restaurants, residential properties and sports facilities will ensure visitors have a comprehensive selection of authentic Caribbean accommodations and experiences available to suit every budget and taste.

“This is an exciting time for Antigua and Barbuda,” Harold E. Lovell, Minister of Tourism said.  “Our country’s economy relies on tourism and these developments will allow us to strengthen our product and enhance the experience for our visitors.  Each project is an indication of our partners’ and investors’ confidence in the current and future Antigua and Barbuda tourism product.” 

    Recognizing the need to support the new developments, the Ministry of Tourism is also working to ensure a strong infrastructure is in place. For example, efforts are currently underway to improve and expand the road system.

New and Upgraded Hotels
    Completion of the following new hotel construction, expansion and renovations is expected by end-of-year 2006, unless otherwise noted.
•    Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa is undergoing a $70 million expansion, with the development of a 180-suite Mediterranean Village including 11 one-bedroom suites with plunge pools.  The expansion also includes construction four new restaurants for a total of nine. Anticipated completion is mid-December 2006, and opened for guests in February, 2007.
•    The destination will soon welcome the first domestic American chain with the construction of the Best Western Dickenson Bay Palace Resort, a $35 million investment to be completed in two phases.  The first phase is expected to be a four-star all-inclusive resort with 100 rooms.
•    With an estimated cost of $28 million, The Verandah, a new Elite Island Resort property, is currently under construction and will include 150 rooms when completed.
•    The well-established Blue Waters resort is undergoing a two-phase upgrade worth approximately $13.2 million. Phase one of the upgrades has been completed with phase two expected to be finished by spring 2007.
•    Work will soon start on Barbuda’s fourth property, an exclusive $8.7 million luxury resort consisting of 40 wooden bungalow suites, in the area of Pelican Bay. This project is a joint venture between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Market Positioning Group (MPG) of Miami, Florida.

Some additional new hotels and expanded properties include:
•    Galley Bay Hotel – an additional 32-rooms (estimated investment of $11 million). 
•    Hermitage Bay Hotel – a new luxury hotel, developed in two phases, with 50 suites expected by the end of the second phase.
•    Tradewinds Hotel – The hotel is making a $4.62 million investment to upgrade its inventory and add 30 rooms. 
•    Harmony Hall – The complex is constructing 25 new villa units at a cost of $4.5 million. 
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