Global Ports Holding starts cruise port operations in Antigua
Global Ports Holding Plc ("GPH"), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, begins cruise port operations in Antigua. This follows the signing of an agreement with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on 1st February 2019, the company said in its release.
Antigua is a well-located tourist destination with access to key cruise itineraries. It is potentially the highlight of Southern and Deep Southern cruise itineraries, as well as transatlantic routes. Serving mainly as a transit port, Antigua and Barbuda also has the opportunity or some turnaround cruise operations, predominantly for European cruise brands.
GPH and its partner’s are committed to financing the completion of the new pier that will be capable of berthing the largest, 5,000+ passenger vessels in the industry. This will allow the port to handle the world’s largest cruise ships. Antigua hosted around 800,000 cruise passengers in 2018. The addition of Antigua Cruise Port to GPH's portfolio is expected to increase GPH’s total passenger volumes for 2020 to close to 13 million.
GPH will use its global expertise and operating model to manage the cruise port operations in Antigua and Barbuda. GPH will also invest in improving and adding to the port’s retail facilities, with an expected total initial investment in the first 12 months of operation of $45-50m, balance will be spent to improve the surrounding port area by the last quarter of 2021. GPH is committed to work with local authorities and stakeholders to improve the guest experience at the port. It is our intention to improve employment and investment and opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudian’s. With the improvement of the surrounding port area, and team led by General Manager Dona Lisel Regis, Antigua Cruise Port will transform the cruise port experience for passengers.
