29/11/2011 | C. Martin
Antigua's VC Bird International airport has started construction work on its new terminal worth $45 million (£29 million) with the aim of increasing passenger handling capacity.
At the World Travel Market held recently in London, the tourist board of the Caribbean resort said the new terminal will bring in thousands of new jobs as well as encourage more holidaymakers to take flights to the island.
John Marginley, tourism minister for Antigua and Barbuda, said it has become extremely difficult for the current airport terminal to handle the increasing number of tourist arrivals.
Figures show an 11% year-on-year rise in the number of UK travellers visiting Antigua.
With British Airways and Virgin Atlantic announcing plans to increase the number of flights to Antigua, UK tourist arrivals are expected to post a similar rise next year.
Copyright Press Association 2011