Codrington Teams Up With Two Foot Bay and More as Barbuda’s Untouched Caribbean Treasures Take Centre Stage for Magical Tropical Escapes!

Codrington Teams Up With Two Foot Bay and more as Barbuda’s untouched Caribbean treasures take centre stage for magical tropical escapes. These remarkable destinations invite global travellers to discover spectacular coastlines, peaceful surroundings and extraordinary natural beauty. Moreover, Codrington Teams Up With Two Foot Bay and more to showcase Barbuda’s untouched Caribbean treasures, creating fresh inspiration for magical tropical escapes. From fascinating caves to tranquil beaches, these hidden gems offer unforgettable opportunities for exploration. As interest in unique Caribbean holidays grows, Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the entire story and discover why these extraordinary destinations deserve a place on their travel wish lists.
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Campaign Puts Six Underrated Caribbean Destinations in the Spotlight as Visitor Spending Reaches US$867.7 Million
Antigua and Barbuda offers international travellers much more than its famous beaches and luxury resorts. Historic sugar estates, protected offshore islands, wildlife sanctuaries, fishing communities and quiet stretches of pink sand create opportunities for a more rewarding Caribbean holiday. The proposed tourism campaign associated with Louis Tomlinson, reported by Antigua News on October 16, 2026, projects £3.7 million in additional visitor spending over three years. That estimate is not guaranteed. However, official tourism statistics reveal the destination’s substantial visitor economy and offer useful context for travellers exploring its lesser-known attractions.
Advertisement
Advertisement
This extension examines five years of visitor data, six underrated destinations, local food, accommodation options and a practical itinerary. It uses original wording and distinguishes published statistics from planning recommendations.
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Statistics Reveal a Changing Visitor Market
Antigua and Barbuda’s National Bureau of Statistics publishes annual stay-over arrivals and visitor expenditure estimates. These figures help travellers and tourism businesses understand the scale of the market behind the proposed promotional campaign.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Five-year comparison of stay-over visitors
The official annual arrivals dataset records international stay-over visitors from 2021 through 2025. The following table uses the published totals for those five completed years.
| Year | Stay-over visitors | Annual change | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 169,469 | — | — |
| 2022 | 265,119 | +95,650 | +56.4% |
| 2023 | 281,896 | +16,777 | +6.3% |
| 2024 | 330,281 | +48,385 | +17.2% |
| 2025 | 325,473 | -4,808 | -1.5% |
| 2021–2025 | — | +156,004 | +92.1% overall |
Source: Antigua and Barbuda National Bureau of Statistics. Annual percentage changes are calculated from the published totals and rounded.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The numbers reveal three important trends. First, stay-over arrivals recovered considerably between 2021 and 2022. Second, 2024 established the highest total in this five-year comparison, with 330,281 visitors. Third, 2025 recorded a modest decline of 1.5%, although arrivals remained approximately 15.5% above 2023.
The five-year comparison shows that international visitor numbers nearly doubled between 2021 and 2025. This does not mean every town or attraction experienced the same change. National totals cannot establish individual destination popularity without location-specific visitor surveys.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Visitor expenditure adds another dimension
Visitor numbers measure arrivals, while expenditure estimates measure the money visitors spend during their trips. The official expenditure series provides a complementary picture of the tourism economy.
| Year | Estimated total visitor expenditure | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | US$412.75 million | — |
| 2022 | US$692.13 million | +67.7% |
| 2023 | US$756.38 million | +9.3% |
| 2024 | US$881.86 million | +16.6% |
| 2025 | US$867.66 million | -1.6% |
Source: National Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance. Annual changes are calculated from the published estimates and rounded.
Estimated visitor expenditure increased by approximately 110.2% between 2021 and 2025. The 2024 total was the highest in the period, while 2025 recorded a moderate reduction.
These figures provide context for the proposed £3.7 million campaign projection. However, the two amounts measure different things. National visitor expenditure covers the wider tourism economy, while the proposed campaign’s projected additional spending relates to a specific promotional initiative.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The available announcement does not establish that the campaign will deliver its forecast. Travellers should therefore treat the projection as a proposal, not a promise of new flights, lower fares or additional tourism services.
Six underrated Antigua and Barbuda destinations to explore
The following six destinations offer a broader view of the country beyond its best-known resort areas. They include heritage sites, offshore islands and remote coastal landscapes. Not all are cities or populated settlements, and publicly available official statistics do not provide comparable annual visitor totals for each individual attraction.
1. Betty’s Hope — a powerful journey through Antiguan history
Best for: heritage, architecture and cultural tourism
Betty’s Hope offers a historical experience away from the usual beach itinerary. Established as a large sugar plantation in the seventeenth century, the site preserves windmill towers, plantation ruins and structures associated with sugar production. Visitors can examine the restored windmill and learn about the plantation system, including the enslavement of Africans and the labour that sustained the sugar economy. The attraction is particularly suitable for travellers interested in Caribbean history and heritage conservation. Allow around one to two hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring. There is no verified annual visitor figure for the site in the sources consulted.
What to do: Explore the restored windmill, examine the ruins and learn about plantation history.
Where to eat: Plan lunch in St. John’s or another nearby established settlement. Confirm opening times before travelling.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay: Choose accommodation in St. John’s or on Antigua’s eastern or north-eastern coast, depending on your itinerary.
Travel tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Check current access arrangements before setting out.
2. Great Bird Island — wildlife and offshore adventure
Best for: birdwatching, nature and boat excursions
Great Bird Island lies in North Sound, off Antigua’s north-eastern coast. The island covers approximately 20 hectares and is accessible by boat. Its habitats support seabirds and the Antiguan racer, a non-venomous snake that became a major focus of conservation work. Visitors can enjoy coastal scenery, observe wildlife and explore designated areas with suitable guidance. Its small size makes it an appealing addition to a boat excursion, but it is not a conventional resort destination. No comparable annual visitor count was identified in the official sources reviewed.
What to do: Arrange a boat trip, observe wildlife responsibly and enjoy the coastal views.
Where to eat: Eat before departure or arrange refreshments with your licensed excursion operator. Do not assume restaurants operate on the island.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay: Consider accommodation around St. John’s or the north-eastern coast.
Travel tip: Confirm sea conditions, landing arrangements and environmental rules before visiting. Avoid disturbing wildlife.
3. Codrington, Barbuda — a gateway to quieter island experiences
Best for: local culture, wildlife and slow travel
Codrington is Barbuda’s principal settlement and a useful base for exploring the sister island. The surrounding area offers access to Codrington Lagoon, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and excursions into Barbuda’s quieter landscapes. The official tourism authority describes the sanctuary as home to more than 5,000 frigatebirds and over 170 bird species. Access is by boat, normally with a knowledgeable local guide. Visitors should allow sufficient time for transport between Antigua and Barbuda, as well as for weather-related changes. Codrington is a settlement rather than a standalone beach resort, so travellers should confirm accommodation, dining and transport availability before arrival.
What to do: Explore the settlement, arrange a lagoon boat trip and look for guided birdwatching excursions.
Where to eat: Ask local hosts or guides about available restaurants and meal arrangements. Check opening hours in advance.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay: Investigate guesthouses and other verified accommodation on Barbuda, or return to Antigua if your transport schedule allows.
Travel tip: Reserve transfers and guided excursions ahead of time. Do not assume same-day return transport will always be available.
4. Two Foot Bay — caves, cliffs and ancient cultural traces
Best for: adventurous sightseeing and archaeology
Two Foot Bay provides a different landscape from the islands’ sheltered swimming beaches. Situated on Barbuda’s north-eastern coast, the area is known for caves, coastal cliffs, natural vegetation and Indigenous petroglyphs. Visitors can combine landscape photography with a guided exploration of the caves and surrounding area. The terrain may be uneven, so suitable footwear and local advice are important. Because the attraction is relatively remote, travellers should arrange transport and establish the route before leaving Codrington. No reliable annual visitor total was found for Two Foot Bay.
What to do: Explore the coastal landscape with a guide, observe the cave formations and learn about the area’s cultural history.
Where to eat: Arrange meals in Codrington or bring suitable refreshments for the excursion.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay: Use verified accommodation in Codrington or plan a return to Antigua.
Travel tip: Follow local guidance around caves and cliffs. Do not touch or damage petroglyphs.
5. Green Island — a quieter offshore escape
Best for: hiking, coastal views and private-island excursions
Green Island is one of Antigua’s offshore islands and offers beaches, coastal scenery and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The official tourism authority’s hiking guide describes a route of approximately five kilometres around the island. However, Green Island is privately owned, so visitors must obtain permission before hiking or accessing restricted areas. The route is best suited to travellers who enjoy walking and want to explore beyond the main resort beaches. Boat arrangements and access permissions should be confirmed before travel. The published hiking information does not establish annual visitor numbers or guarantee that the route is currently open.
What to do: Arrange an authorised boat excursion and explore permitted walking routes.
Where to eat: Organise food and drinking water before departure. Confirm whether your operator provides refreshments.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay: Stay in Antigua’s established accommodation areas and arrange a day excursion.
Travel tip: Obtain permission in advance and verify trail conditions, boat transfers and weather suitability.
6. Parham — heritage and local community life
Best for: history, architecture and cultural exploration
Parham offers an opportunity to explore a historic Antiguan settlement beyond the island’s main visitor centres. The official tourism authority identifies Parham Anglican Church as one of the region’s oldest churches, with a history linked to colonial-era society and enslaved labour. Travellers interested in local history can include Parham in a wider excursion around Antigua’s heritage sites and rural communities. It is better approached as a cultural stop than a destination with extensive resort infrastructure. Visitors should respect religious services and local community spaces. No verified annual tourist count or standard visitor-spending estimate was available for Parham specifically.
What to do: Explore the village respectfully, learn about its heritage and combine the visit with nearby historic attractions.
Where to eat: Look for local food businesses along your route and check operating hours.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay: Choose accommodation in St. John’s or another established area of Antigua.
Travel tip: Confirm access to historic buildings before visiting and ask permission before photographing people or private property.
Destination comparison table for travel planning
| Destination | Main attraction | Suggested time | Access considerations | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betty’s Hope | Sugar plantation history | 1–2 hours | Confirm site access | History enthusiasts |
| Great Bird Island | Wildlife and coastal scenery | Half-day excursion | Boat transfer | Nature lovers |
| Codrington | Settlement and lagoon excursions | Half-day to full day | Inter-island transport | Slow travellers |
| Two Foot Bay | Caves and Indigenous heritage | Half-day excursion | Local guide and transport | Active explorers |
| Green Island | Beaches and walking | Half-day excursion | Private access permission | Hikers and boat-trip visitors |
| Parham | Historic community and church | 1–2 hours | Check access to historic buildings | Cultural travellers |
Suggested durations are itinerary-planning estimates, not official attraction opening hours or guaranteed tour durations.
What to eat in Antigua and Barbuda
Food is an important part of the islands’ tourism experience. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority promotes traditional dishes and local culinary businesses through its culinary tourism programme. Its featured foods include saltfish and fungi, pepperpot, goat water and ducana.
| Dish | What travellers can expect | Best occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Saltfish and fungi | Salted fish served with a cornmeal-based accompaniment | Traditional meal |
| Pepperpot | A richly flavoured stew with vegetables and meat | Lunch or dinner |
| Goat water | A seasoned goat-meat soup | Local food experience |
| Ducana | A sweet potato and coconut preparation | Side dish or traditional meal |
| Fresh seafood | Fish and other seafood prepared in local styles | Coastal dining |
For a wider selection of restaurants, travellers can explore St. John’s, English Harbour and established resort areas. The official tourism authority lists restaurants and culinary experiences, but menus, prices and opening hours should be checked directly.
May is particularly worth considering for food-focused travel. The destination’s Culinary Month programme includes local cookshops, restaurant promotions and culinary events. Travellers should check the official event calendar for dates and participating businesses before booking.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Where to stay for a six-destination itinerary
The best accommodation base depends on whether visitors prioritise beaches, heritage, sailing or access to Barbuda.
| Base | Recommended traveller | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| St. John’s | First-time visitors and independent travellers | Access to services, shops and heritage excursions |
| English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour | Sailing and history enthusiasts | Maritime heritage, restaurants and nearby historic sites |
| North-eastern Antigua | Beach and boat-excursion visitors | Convenient for selected offshore-island trips |
| South-western Antigua | Beach-focused holidaymakers | Coastal scenery and access to several beaches |
| Codrington, Barbuda | Nature and slow-travel visitors | Access to Barbuda’s attractions, subject to local availability |
The official accommodation directory includes resorts and boutique properties, including South Point Antigua in Falmouth Harbour and St. James’s Club & Villas on the south-eastern coast. These are examples of established accommodation, not claims that they are the nearest or cheapest options for every attraction.
Travellers planning to visit Barbuda should verify overnight accommodation separately. An Antigua hotel booking does not automatically arrange inter-island transport or tours.
Detailed seven-day Antigua and Barbuda travel plan
This itinerary combines cultural sites, outdoor experiences and beach time. It assumes suitable weather, available transport and confirmed excursion bookings.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at V.C. Bird International Airport | Check in and explore St. John’s | Dinner featuring local cuisine |
| Day 2 | Visit Betty’s Hope | Explore nearby communities | Relax at your accommodation |
| Day 3 | Travel towards Parham | Explore the village and local heritage | Dinner in an established dining area |
| Day 4 | Arrange a Great Bird Island excursion | Wildlife observation and coastal exploration | Return to Antigua |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Barbuda, subject to schedules | Explore Codrington and arrange a lagoon excursion | Overnight on Barbuda if pre-booked |
| Day 6 | Guided visit to Two Foot Bay | Explore permitted areas and return according to transport arrangements | Rest or local dining |
| Day 7 | Return to Antigua if necessary | Visit Green Island only with prior permission, or choose a mainland beach | Depart according to flight schedule |
Important planning note: Days 5–7 require particular flexibility. Inter-island transfers, weather and access permissions can affect the sequence. If only one or two days are available for Barbuda, prioritise Codrington and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, then save the more remote attractions for another trip.
Practical travel information for international visitors
The official tourism authority states that visitors should have a valid passport, onward or return travel arrangements, accommodation details and sufficient funds. Visa requirements depend on nationality, so travellers should verify their individual requirements before departure.
Advertisement
Advertisement
| Planning requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| International arrival | Check current flights to V.C. Bird International Airport |
| Currency | The Eastern Caribbean dollar is the local currency; US dollars are accepted by many businesses |
| Electricity | The tourism authority lists 240 volts, 50 cycles, although some hotels also provide 110-volt, 60-cycle outlets |
| Local transport | Confirm taxi, rental vehicle and excursion arrangements in advance |
| Marine excursions | Check sea conditions, operator credentials and cancellation terms |
| Wildlife | Follow guides’ instructions and avoid disturbing nesting birds or other animals |
| Weather | Check forecasts and seasonal advisories before boat trips |
Source: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s visitor FAQ.
How the proposed tourism campaign could benefit travellers and local businesses
The proposed campaign associated with Louis Tomlinson highlights an approach to destination promotion that connects entertainment, storytelling and travel planning. Its reported £3.7 million projection could attract attention to local accommodation providers, guides, restaurants, boat operators and cultural attractions if the campaign proceeds successfully.
The six destinations described here show how a visitor’s spending could extend beyond resort areas. Guided wildlife trips, locally owned food businesses, heritage experiences and authorised boat excursions can help travellers engage more deeply with the islands.
However, the campaign’s final arrangements and financial results remain uncertain. The national statistics demonstrate the scale of the existing visitor economy, but they cannot predict the campaign’s individual performance.
For international tourists, the most useful approach is to plan around verified services rather than anticipated promotional offers. Check official tourism information, arrange remote excursions in advance and allow flexibility for inter-island travel.
Antigua and Barbuda’s appeal lies in the combination of beaches, culture, wildlife and maritime history. Exploring beyond the best-known resort areas can make a Caribbean holiday more varied while giving travellers more opportunities to discover the islands’ distinctive character.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Codrington, Two Foot Bay and Barbuda’s other hidden Caribbean treasures offer global travellers an exciting opportunity to discover a different side of island life. From breathtaking coastal landscapes and fascinating caves to rich cultural heritage and peaceful natural surroundings, these destinations promise memorable tropical escapes beyond conventional beach holidays. Moreover, exploring these underrated gems can help visitors appreciate the distinctive beauty of Barbuda while supporting local tourism businesses. As travellers seek more authentic Caribbean experiences, these remarkable places deserve greater attention. Travel And Tour World encourages readers to discover these extraordinary destinations and consider Barbuda for their next unforgettable tropical adventure.
Advertisement
