The government has approved the allocation of 65 acres of waterfront land for Antiguans and Barbudans to develop income-generating villas, in what Prime Minister Gaston Browne described as a move to expand local ownership in the tourism sector.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Browne said Cabinet agreed to make 50 acres available at Willoughby Bay and 15 acres of beachfront property near Royalton for local purchase and development.

The lands will be parcelled and sold to nationals, who will be encouraged to construct Airbnb-style villas and other short-term rental properties aimed at tapping into the growing tourism accommodation market.

“This is about empowerment,” Browne said, adding that ownership of assets is central to wealth creation and long-term economic participation.

The prime minister said the initiative is designed to ensure that more citizens benefit directly from tourism growth, rather than leaving high-value coastal properties exclusively in the hands of large developers.

He noted that the Willoughby Bay site, while not traditionally regarded as prime beach property, offers waterfront potential, while the Royalton parcel provides access to a Caribbean Sea beachfront location.

The government is also exploring incentives, including concessions on building materials and furnishings, to support participants in the programme.

Browne said the measure forms part of a broader strategy to promote domestic ownership, create intergenerational wealth and deepen local participation in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism economy.