Antigua and Barbuda Leans on the Blue Economy to Ease Tourism Dependence

Antigua and Barbuda continues to push economic diversification through its “blue economy” — the marine sectors built around its large ocean territory — as a way to lean less heavily on tourism, which directly or indirectly drives more than half of national output. The strategy emphasises ocean-based industries, climate resilience and reducing exposure to external shocks and storm damage.

For the diaspora, the relevant thread is resilience: a narrow, tourism-reliant base leaves the islands sensitive to downturns in U.S. and European travel and to disaster years. Efforts to broaden the economy are gradual and worth watching for concrete projects and jobs rather than announcements. In the meantime, tourism demand and the hurricane season remain the near-term factors that most affect incomes and the prices relatives face.

Source: Commonwealth Secretariat; Government of Antigua and Barbuda.