RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED FOR TOURISM MASTER PLAN Doubling Of Industry At US$750 Million

L-R: Mr. Joseph Van Doorn, Mr. Victor Curtain, Mr. Eustace Guishard and Dr. Phillip Heneghan

The presentation, to Government officials, other stakeholders and industry partners from the Hotel and Tourism Association and the Tourist Board, was delivered at the Teachers’ Resource Centre on Monday this week by team leader, Dr. Phillip Heneghan. He was accompanied by Mr. Victor Curtin and Mr. Joseph VanDoorn. The meeting was part of a two-day retreat involving the team and Government officials to discuss the recommendations contained in the report prepared over some eight months.

Three scenarios of growth-rates of the industry over ten years were presented by the consultants in their report: a low growth rate requiring an investment of 220 million US dollars; a medium growth-rate calling for an investment of 750 million; and a high a growth-rate requiring an investment of 1.5 billion dollars.

Dr. Aidan Harrigan, other civil servants and industry partners

The consultants were of the view that the medium growth-rate scenario of 750 million dollars in investment, doubling the present level of the tourist industry, was challenging. “What we feel, though, is that it is achievable with the right mix of programmes, support and dedication on a sustainable basis,” Dr. Heneghan stated. He stressed that this was consistent with the integrity of the initial vision of the team.

He said that such a scenario would mainly involve private sector enterprise along with some partnership from the public sector. It would have the effect of driving the economy, increasing income levels and resulting in higher standards of living. He indicated that to consider the low growth-rate would only serve to maintain the present level of the industry, but without increasing development, employment opportunities and living standards. To consider the high rate would be difficult to attain, calling for a huge investment.

Parliamentary Secretary Haydn Hughes and others

The consultants said their recommendations were aimed at creating wealth for Anguilla in terms of jobs and incomes, while maintaining the very essence of what Anguilla was both for its people and as a destination for tourists.For purposes of their study, they divided Anguilla into three areas. The first was West End, where the major hotels and restaurants were concentrated and where they saw some further development, but not to the point of giving it an over-crowded appearance.

The second area was the centre section of the island, taking in Sandy Ground, Blowing Point, The Valley and its environs. The consultants were of the view that Sandy Ground was not a suitable site for a yacht marina despite the number of such vessels which dock in the harbour there. It was noted that the beach village was the location of a number of restaurants, houses and other buildings built on sand and that any major infrastructural development work there would negatively impactthe area, notwithstanding today’s technical construction capabilities. It was recommended that instead of a marina, there should be an increase in the number of moorings and an enhancing of the port to attract more yachts. “We won’t even remotely suggest touching the area [for a marina],” Dr. Heneghan said.
He pointed out that the yacht marina was instead recommended for Blowing Point, alongside the new terminal building planned for that area. In addition to those facilities, there could be provision for retail shops, restaurants, cafés etc. built around the area, making it a point for social interaction.
In The Valley itself, the consultants recommended a heritage centre at Wallblake Estate with improvements to the main house as well as the out houses. It was suggested that there could be arts and crafts, coffee shop, a national museum and other facilities, all creating an area for social interaction in The Valley.

The consultants strongly recommended that there could be a heritage village in the eastern end of the island, particularly at Island Harbour, taking in nearby Scilly Cay and the Fountain Cavern. It was also noted that Scrub Island was an area to consider with its potential for development. Dr. Heneghan said that he and his colleagues were aware that Island Harbour had a long tradition of fishing and boat building and that there were possibilities for a fish market, fish fry facilities, a car park, museum and other developments.He said such a heritage village would also provide somewhere for persons to go for social interaction.
As part of the general tourism development of Anguilla, the consultants saw the need for improvements to the present airport. Dr. Heneghan said that in order for the Net Jet Company to provide passenger flights to Anguilla there would be a need to extend the runway by 30 feet at a cost of one million US dollars. It was felt, however, that in the medium growth-rate, in order to accommodate larger aircraft, like Jet Blue, it would be necessary to have a length of 6,600 feet at the present airstrip which would cost seventeen million US dollars and which could accommodate an A320 aircraft. He noted that with the modern type of planes it was possible for them to land safely on shorter runways than previously. On the question of a much larger airstrip, it was explained that the required length would be some 7,200 feet which was not possible at the Clayton Lloyd Airport and that a new airport would have to be considered.

There were various other recommendations made by the consultants which the Government and industry partners are studying. But the one now uppermost in their minds is apparently that calling for a doubling of the industry at an investment cost of 750 million US dollars. An additional recommendation is to increase the overall occupancy level from 35% to 50% to realise a more profitable and financially-viable tourism industry.