NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 30, 2016) - Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy The Hon. Asot Michael has announced the entry of a prestigious global hospitality brand Marriott hotel for Antigua and Barbuda.

/EINPresswire.com/ -- Marriott International will expand its portfolio in the Caribbean with the latest addition from the brand's Autograph Collection coming to the shores of the island of Antigua. The estimated $40 million project, which broke ground on November 29, 2016 will be situated just two miles west of the island's capital, St. John's, and a convenient six miles west of the airport.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister said it was an honour to be participating in the significant groundbreaking ceremony both for Antigua and Barbuda and the Coconut Beach Resort Project by Marriott.

"Being able to participate in the ground-breaking of new properties and developments, that will lead to increasing the room availability, and broadening our twin-island nations portfolio of distinguished properties, is of utmost distinction and importance."

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has set the goal of increasing the room capacity of Antigua and Barbuda to 10,000 within the next 7 years.

The Marriott development is a venture of Leisure World Hotels Limited, which is jointly and equally owned by Sand Dollar Limited and Propertyvest, whose investors comprise some of Antigua's most notable real estate developers. The new hotel rests on the location of the former Coconut Beach Club, property owned by Leisure World Hotels Limited, which closed indefinitely in 2015 and slated for demolition in anticipation of this project.

Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott will comprise of 40 high-end condominiums and a 70 room five star hotel with modern water features, eco-friendly amenities and a sustainable facility design throughout the property. The plan will ensure that the property will fit in-line with Antigua and Barbuda's reputation as providing the quality to attract guests in an incredibly competitive market. Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott will cater to the top-end, and will appeal to those in the leisure and business market, with associated upscale services.

"We are confident that having the Marriott name and respect of brand as part of our portfolio will lead to increased airlift, in particular from the US market as this is a draw for US carriers," said the Tourism Minister.

The Coconut Beach Resort by Marriott is expected to take 24 months to construct, and will provide 180 jobs during the construction phase, and 240 jobs once the property is open; representing a significant source of employment for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honorable Gaston Browne, in attendance along with Honourable Asot Michael Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Andrew Houghton, Area Vice President for the Caribbean at Marriott International and Marriott's Director of Development for the Caribbean and Latin America, Bojan Kumer.

Kumer said, "We believe Marriott's Autograph Collection will be a strong addition to the current tourism landscape in the region and this project will endorse Antigua and Barbuda's position as the international gateway to the eastern Caribbean. We are excited to bring the brand to the island and be part of its continued growth as a tourism destination."

Notes to Editors:
High resolution images of the destination available on aandbtourism.fotoseeker.com

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew'da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015 and 2016 Caribbean's Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches -- one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua's tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua's smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda

About Marriott International CALA

Marriott International's presence in the CALA region is represented by more than 200 hotels in 30 countries and territories, offering more than 49,000 rooms and spanning 21 lodging brands: The Ritz-Carlton®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Marriott Executive Apartments, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, and Element®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. In addition, Marriott Vacation Club International, Marriott's timeshare ownership division, offers three resorts in two countries.

Marriott International (including The Ritz-Carlton) expects to have more than 250 hotels by 2017 across 21 lodging brands in more than 30 countries and territories.