FORMER TOURISM DIRECTOR GETS SPECIAL MENTION AT GALA AWARDS CEREMONY

Mrs. Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch and Mrs. Candis Niles

Mrs. Vanterpool-Kubisch’s award, presented by current Director of Tourism, Mrs. Candis Niles, was particularly in recognition of the outstanding role she played during her many years of service. Mrs. Niles spoke highly about her, as follows, in making the presentation:

” If elegance is best described as refinement, grace and beauty, then our pioneer award this year epitomizes the term completely and compounds the definition with the added attributes of dedication and commitment. Amelia Vanterpool Kubisch began her career in Tourism Management in 1978 as a clerical officer in the newly established Department of Tourism. With some effort, she balanced this career choice in those early years with her life long passion for singing which, at that time, meant touring with the “Roots & Herbs” the back up duo to Bankie Banx. This passion at times threatened her career in the new Department.

“But throughout the turbulence of the early 1980s, as the traditional Anguillian economy transitioned amidst major birthing pains to that of a full blown tourism economy, Amelia, with all the hallmarks of her graceful personality, emerged as a cornerstone of the Department of Tourism and inexorably rose to the position of Director in 1992 responsible for Anguilla’s public sector marketing and promotion.

“Apart from managing the quirky and demanding world of overseas reps in the US, UK and Europe, Amelia played a pivotal role in the launch and direction of a number of significant local initiatives which have stood the test of time and become fixtures of Anguilla’s annual tourism calendar. These include the annual Tourism Gala, which is now managed by the AHTA; the “Hello Tourist” educational tourism awareness program for primary schools; the ALHCS Work Experience program; the Anguilla Ambassadors Initiative, which recognizes top producing travel agents; the Anguilla Academy educational program geared towards the international trade; the expansion of overseas representation to the markets of Canada, Italy, Germany, France and Puerto Rico; the Charming Escapes Collection marketing initiative, highlighting Anguilla’s smaller and typically locally owned and managed properties; the publication of the “ Anguilla – Tranquility Wrapped in Blue” coffee table book; as well as collaborating with the AHTA on the production of the “Dream Anguilla” and “ Absolutely Anguilla” annual tourism magazines.

“Amelia also coined the three R’s of tourism on Anguilla: “ Replenish your body” , “Relax your mind”, “Rejuvenate your spirit”. Under her watch Anguilla’s Carnival was placed under the overall supervision of the Tourist Board and restructured as the Anguilla Summer Festival, thus giving the island’s national sport, Boatracing, the recognition it deserves as part of the August festivities.

“Amelia’s outstanding tenure as the island’s Director of Tourism came to an end in 2008 when she formally retired from the position, as perhaps the longest-serving Director in the Caribbean. Even now since her retirement from the public service, Amelia has continued to pursue her interests in the field of travel and tourism. She worked for just under two years as the Marketing Director for the Malliouhana Hotel and is now a destination specialist in Blue Sea Anguilla, a professional tourism services company.
“This is just a tiny cameo of the illustrious career and some of the most significant initiatives spearheaded and directed by Amelia during her years in the Department of Tourism and the Anguilla Tourist Board. Over those years, Anguilla emerged from the shadows of obscurity and confusion with Antigua and Angola into an island destination recognized for its own merit as a premiere Caribbean vacation experience. Such an achievement, though properly credited to the collective efforts of hundreds of hard working visionaries, nevertheless owes much to the dedication, commitment, diligence and insightful leadership of this elegant, soft spoken, graceful and truly beautiful person who never says a harsh word, always has a ready smile, and who, with all her gifts, has always portrayed the image of a perfect ambassador for our island home. We invite you to raise your glasses in honour of a wonderful and deserving pioneer, MRS. AMELIA VANTERPOOL KUBISCH.”