As part of its initiatives to raise the profile of Anguilla in its major markets, the Anguilla Tourist Board is currently engaged in a number of on-island consumer, press and trade initiatives originating out of three of its key markets, Latin America, United Kingdom and North America.
ATB-LATAM representative, Raquel Echandi, led an elite group of top Women Executives from Brazil in the “Forum de Lidheres Mulheres do Brasil”, a two-day conference which took place at the Viceroy Resort from July 18th to 20th, 2014. Highlights of the visit for the ladies included a day-trip to St Barths with Anguilla Air Services and a farewell Evening Soiree hosted by the Management and Staff of the illustrious Ani Villas. According to Ms. Echandi, the ladies were absolutely thrilled with the island as a destination, with all of them stating their intention to return with their families for a leisurely vacation experience. The conference was organized by the leading business consortium, Grupo Doria, and included the owners, CEO’s and Managers of top Brazilian companies like TAM Airlines, Blue Tree Hotels, Johnson & Johnson, Dudalina and Magazine Luiza. Support for the visit came from Anguilla Great House Beach Resort, Glennis’ Taxi Service The Government of Anguilla’s Ministry of Home Affairs & Protocol, Departments of Immigration & Customs, Anguilla Air & Sea Port Authority, and the Anguillian newspaper.
Anguilla also received a visit from Mr David Swanson, an individual press writer whose trip was coordinated by the PR team of Anguilla’s North America representatives, Cheryl Andrews Marketing Communications (CAMC). A full-time freelance writer-photographer since 1995, David Swanson is a San Diego native who has traveled through more than 75 countries around the globe, including the Caribbean. Swanson is a contributing editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine and wrote the multiple award-winning “Affordable Caribbean” column for Caribbean Travel & Life magazine since 1998. Author or co-author of more than a dozen travel guidebooks, David’s stories and photos have also appeared in more than 50 North American newspapers—some of which are still publishing—and magazines such as Bride’s, Islands, Private Clubs, Southwest Spirit and American Way. During his three-day visit to the island, Mr Swanson focused on new developments on the island. Accommodations for his stay were provided courtesy of Anguilla Great House Beach Resort (July 19) and Cap Juluca Resort (July 20-22). Meals were provided with the generous support of Dolce Vita, Cha-Cha San, Smokey’s, , Spice and Tokyo Bay restaurants. Transportation was provided with the support of Will’s Taxi Service and Freeway Car Rental, while on-island activities were provided with the support of Sea Pro Charters and Sandy Island Enterprises.
Meanwhile, a group of tour operators from the United Kingdom is on-island from July 21-24, 2014 as part of the CTO Courses in the Caribbean, an innovative familiarization program which permits the exposure of multiple destinations in the region as one trip. The 13-member fam visited Antigua and Barbuda before coming across to Anguilla for a four-day site visit. During their time on island, the group will visit a cross-section of the island’s accommodations and restaurants, and experience a taste of that which makes Anguilla special as a destination for UK travelers. Participants will also be required to respond to an examination based on the information and experiences from the fam visit as part of the CTO-certified program. The group, which is led by ATB-UK Account Executive, Mekesha Mussington-Priddy, also includes the Director of Marketing for CTO-Europe, Carol Hays, and Antigua Tourism Authority representative, Joel Henry. The group is being hosted jointly at Viceroy Resorts (July 21) and Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa (July 22-24) with meals provided by supporting restaurants, Smokey’s, Straw Hat, Da’Vida’s, Café Mediterraneo at Cuisinart, Blue at Cap Juluca, Dolce Vita and Cuisinart’s Beach Bar. Transportation for the group is provided with the support of Glennis’ Taxi Services, while transfers back to Antigua are coordinated through the support of Anguilla Air Services.
