Construction of the new Marriott resort at Yeptons Beach is progressing toward a winter 2027 opening , Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Thursday during the presentation of the 2026 national budget.

Browne referenced the project while outlining major tourism investments now underway across the country, noting that the Marriott development forms part of a wider push to expand room stock, attract higher-spending visitors and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the regional hospitality market.

He said the resort remains one of several major tourism projects scheduled to come on stream over the next three years, joining the One&Only Half Moon Bay, Murby Resorts, the Buccaneer Beach development, Nikki Beach Barbuda residences and other large-scale investments valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Prime Minister framed the Marriott project as a key component of long-term tourism growth, which he said is being propelled by higher visitor spending, strong cruise performance and rising interest in meetings and international events.

He added that the tourism pipeline continues to expand even as the government prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

While Browne did not provide new details on the size or amenities of the Yeptins Beach property, he said the project’s timeline remains intact and that construction milestones are being met ahead of the projected 2027 launch.

More information on the hospitality sector is expected when the budget debate resumes next week.