ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

PM Spencer with The Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco during his recent visit to Antigua and Barbuda.

Their Serene Highnesses The Sovereign Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco have heaped praise on Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product, calling Antigua and Barbuda a beautiful paradise.

The Prince and Princess who recently vacationed here outlined that they enjoyed every moment of their stay in the twin island nation.  “The environment, the service and the accommodations at the resort all lend to a remarkable stay,” Prince Albert II told Prime Minister Spencer during a special audience.

“I enjoyed the remarkable music that was produced by the steelband that entertained us at the resort and I look forward to welcoming to Monaco in the near future a steelband from Antigua and Barbuda for one of our festivals,” Princess Charlene told Prime Minister Spencer.

During their audience the Prince and Princess of Monaco and Prime Minister Spencer discussed possible ways of Antigua and Barbuda and Monaco collaborating in tourism and sports.  

Their Serene Highnesses pledged to return once again to Antigua for vacation.   The sovereign Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were met at the V.C. Bird International Airport at the commencement of their vacation  by Governor General’s Deputy Sir Eustace Francis and Tourism Minister the Hon. John Maginley.

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with a 2011 population estimate of 36, 000.

One of Monaco's main sources of income is tourism. Each year many are attracted to its casino and pleasant climate. Monaco's own citizens are not allowed to gamble in the casino.  In 2001, a major new construction project extended the pier used by cruise ships in the main harbour

Monaco is not a member of the European Union. However, it is very closely linked via a customs union with France, and as such, its currency is the euro.

The country has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as monarch. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State, who presides over a five-member Council of Government .

Under the 1962 constitution, the prince shares his power with the unicameral National Council.  The twenty-four members of this legislative body are elected for five-year terms.

Written by the Ministry of Information-Antigua. All rights reserved.