Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced an ambitious plan to transform the area surrounding Pensioners Beach into a hub for Airbnb properties. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance economic opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans while ensuring the preservation of public beach access.
The government will be dividing the land around Pensioners Beach into quarter-acre lots. These lots will be made available to local citizens for the development of Airbnb properties. Prime Minister Browne highlighted the potential for significant revenue generation through these properties, encouraging residents to take advantage of this opportunity.
“We are creating opportunities for our people to generate substantial income through Airbnb rentals,” Browne stated. “These properties do not need to be extravagant. A reasonable investment can yield significant returns.”
Prime Minister Browne emphasized the importance of practicality and economy in the construction of these properties. He advised potential investors to focus on building economical yet comfortable accommodations designed for rental purposes rather than personal luxury homes. “This is about making money on your investment, not building a dream home. Use minimum resources to build efficient and attractive rental properties,” he advised.
To support this development, the government will allocate approximately two acres of land near Pensioners Beach for a public beach park. This park will provide ample space for recreation and parking, ensuring that beach access remains available to all residents and visitors.
Prime Minister Browne cited a successful example from Dredge Bay, where a previously underdeveloped property was transformed into a beautiful and lucrative asset. This serves as an inspiration for what can be achieved at Pensioners Beach with the right investment and vision.