Anguilla, September 11, 2024 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) has gathered government and industry leaders from across the region in Grand Cayman, under the theme “Caribbean Tourism – Fueling our Lifeblood”. Among the key participants was Anguilla’s delegation, led by the Anguilla Tourist Board’s (ATB) Director of Tourism, Mrs. Stacey Liburd.
Mrs. Liburd emphasized the increasing significance of tourism in the Caribbean, pointing out that the region is quickly becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. “To remain competitive, we need to adopt innovative strategies that strengthen our position,” Mrs. Liburd remarked. “SOTIC provides us with a platform to work together on solutions to the challenges we encounter, with a collective goal of boosting revenue while ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach every part of the Caribbean.”
Anguilla’s moment in the spotlight came when ATB’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kimberly King, shared the island’s latest achievements and plans. "The Anguilla Tourist Board, with the unwavering support of our stakeholders, continues to position Anguilla as a premier destination. Our success is rooted in this collective effort, as we work to make Anguilla a destination of choice year-round," King stated.
King also revealed record-breaking tourism figures, with Anguilla welcoming 79,936 visitors between January and April 2024, including 47,097 stayover guests. This growth is primarily driven by the island’s largest source markets, the United States and Canada, reflecting the rising demand for Anguilla as a top-tier destination.
Further bolstering this success, King announced the October release of the third edition of Uniquely Anguilla, the ATB’s signature destination magazine. Developed in collaboration with the Greydoor Publishing and the private sector, the magazine will feature inspiring stories about Anguilla’s people, culture, economy, and environment, while also shedding light on its sustainability efforts. The magazine is a vital resource for both visitors and residents, underscoring the island’s appeal.
Expanded Airlift and Connectivity
With Anguilla’s growing popularity, the island is set to benefit from increased airlift options during the upcoming winter season. Key service providers such as American Airlines, Anguilla Air Services, Tradewind Aviation, Trans Anguilla Airways, SkyHigh Aviation, and CapeAir are expanding their routes to cater to the surge in visitors. Additionally, private charter flight services remain available to nearby islands, providing seamless connections across the region.
A significant development for regional connectivity is the introduction of multiple air services from key regional hubs, providing seamless travel options for visitors. Winner has expanded its flight offerings to include routes from St. Lucia and Barbados into St. Maarten, further enhancing access to Anguilla. In addition, the new Winter 2024/25 Condor Service from Germany to Antigua enables convenient connections from Central Europe via Antigua to Anguilla. This marks a milestone in Anguilla’s strategy to attract more European travelers, broadening the island's international appeal.
Tourism Infrastructure Investments
Anguilla is also making substantial investments in its tourism infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth. The Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport is undergoing a major expansion, with a new passenger terminal scheduled for completion by Fall 2025. The terminal will accommodate up to 250 passengers during peak hours, enhancing the travel experience for both arriving and departing guests. In August 2024, the airport’s new Cargo Building was completed and is now operational, marking a crucial phase in the airport’s redevelopment. The runway extension, set to begin in January 2025, will further bolster the island’s capacity to welcome larger flights and more visitors.
Resort and Marina Developments
Anguilla’s tourism landscape is set for further transformation with the launch of two new luxury marina and resort developments. The flagship Altamer Marina, Yacht Club, and Luxury Resort will feature a 118-berth marina capable of accommodating yachts up to 250 feet in length. The development will also include a 62-room, five-star hotel, 58 branded residences, beachfront villas, 48 resort condominiums, a fitness center, a spa, and duty-free shopping.
On the island’s eastern seacoast, the Savannah Bay Marina and Resort will be developed on 215 acres of land. This luxury project will feature a hotel, residences, villas, townhouses, condominiums, a marina, a yacht club, port facilities, and a shopping arcade. These developments reflect Anguilla’s commitment to providing world-class experiences for visitors while contributing to the island’s sustainable economic growth.
This fall also marks a significant milestone as the Malliouhana resort celebrates its 40th anniversary and its return to independence. Originally opened in 1984, the resort is iconic to the island and is set on a beautiful 20-acre beachfront site, the resort’s return to its roots highlights its commitment to offering an exclusive and unparalleled experience. From November 1–3, 2024, the resort will host an exclusive epicurean and musical event, “Party Like It’s 1984,” hosted in collaboration with John Anthony Vineyards and special guests. The luxurious weekend promises a blend of world-class cuisine, fine wine, and live music. Benefiting the Anguilla Music Academy (AMA), this once-in-a-lifetime event will showcase Malliouhana’s exceptional hospitality and honor its legacy as the island’s iconic “Grande Dame” since 1984.
In November 2025, Anguilla will host the Anguilla Music Tourism Convention, a three-day event welcoming 250 international delegates to experience the island’s rich culture, history, and stunning landscapes through world-class music.
As Anguilla continues to thrive as a premier travel destination, the island’s efforts to enhance its infrastructure, airlift, sustainability, and tourism offerings will undoubtedly solidify its position as a leader in the Caribbean tourism market.
For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.
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About Anguilla
Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile. A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines, to be the most beautiful in the world. Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and appeal. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from three major gateways: Miami, FL (MIA), Puerto Rico (SJU), and St. Martin (SXM); and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away. Romance? Barefoot elegance? Unfussy chic? And untrammeled bliss? Lose The Crowd. Find Yourself. In Anguilla.
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