ABS NEWS EXCLUSIVE: GOVERNMENT INKS MAJOR DEAL WITH RCCL

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has inked a major deal with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines which will provide a boost to the cruise tourism sector. The announcement was made by Tourism and Investment Minister, Hon. Charles Fernandez during an interview with ABS News on Saturday. Under the Memorandum of Agreement, Royal Caribbean is to advance plans for the construction of a new land-based entertainment facility in Antigua. This investment is expected to provide a further fillip to the economy of the twin-island state and increase the leisure offerings for its thousands of passengers. Royal Caribbean is also to pay an increase in the passenger head tax, though those details have not yet been disclosed.

RCCL is also to work closely with Global Ports Holding in the build-out of improved cruise facilities in St John’s. Global Ports, the world’s largest cruise operator, has leased the cruise piers in St John’s for 30 years in a US$80m deal.

In addition, the MOA between the government and RCCL paves the way for the employment of more Antiguans and Barbudans on Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships. ABS will have more on this developing story as details are unveiled.