“Antigua has no plans to categorise countries in a bid to stop them from visiting its shores, including those travelling from the UK," said Colin James, chief executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

"We were one of the first islands in the Caribbean to open, and the regime we have in place is working well for us.
"The government recently introduced trained monitors to spot check all properties and tourism facilities to ensure protocols are being adhered to, which is paramount to rebuilding safe tourism. 

"We look forward to welcoming more UK visitors who meet the existing protocol guidelines to our 365 beaches soon.”

Tourism minister Charles Fernandez on Thursday (30 September) reiterated the destination’s Covid measures for visitors, which include providing proof of a negative Covid PCR test on arrival, wearing face masks where social distancing is not possible, and adhering to other protocols mandated by the island nation’s Ministry of Health.

He also warned some tourism business would need to adhere to protocols that could affect their operations, resulting in some reduced occupancy.

The tourism authority confirmed 13 hotels had reopened in Antigua, with a further 23 to follow in October and November.

British Airways is currently flying direct to Antigua from Gatwick, with Virgin Atlantic set to resume flights from 26 October.