With the current tourism season, still showing signs of much activity in Anguilla, occasioned to some extent by the lessening of the COVID-19 protocols, a robust marketing effort is now being made to woo more visitors to the island.
As part of that effort, the Anguilla Tourist Board has embarked on a number of road shows in the United States. This is according to Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, at the Government’s press conference on Monday, June 21.
She reported: “We have our Director of the Anguilla Tourist Board and our Coordinator of International Markets who are doing our road shows. We realise that although it is a bit low, there is work to be done and the destination continues to require robust marketing. We are also doing that – and we also have a very robust programme for the next eight to ten weeks of marketing road shows. We also have other community partners on the roads as well. That is something that will be reflected in our tourist numbers. We do see that if we had the availability of rooms, we would have had a good season into August, but the industry continues the usual pattern of closing down somewhere at the end of August and opening in October. But we are looking at what this season tells us… and even right now we are seeing an unusually high demand for this time of year.”
The Minister of Tourism and Acting Premier, Mr. Haydn Hughes, commented that tourist numbers in Anguilla were looking extremely well for the month of July. “I think there is a lot of pent-up demand,” he went on. “We are looking to really push the marketing of the destination at this point. I would have hoped that the hospitality sector would remain open throughout September and October. However, that is not going to happen this year, but it is something that we are working diligently on with our hospitality partners for next year.”
Meanwhile, a number of industry partners, including hoteliers, either have with joined the Anguilla Tourist Board in holding road shows in various US cities, or using their online platforms to market their services.
Belmond Cap Juluca has just put out a short video road show presentation by its General Manager, Mr. Tiago Sarmanto, and the Resident Manager, Mr. Kevin Carty.
The text of the video is as follows:
“Hello, everyone! This is Tiago Sarmento, General Manager at Belond Cap Juluca.”
“And I am Kevin Carty, Resident Manager at the beautiful and iconic Cap Juluca here in Anguilla. And we are looking forward to seeing you very soon, I believe.”
Sarmento: “Indeed, we will visit you in the second half of June.”
Carty: “And if I am not mistaken, we are going to be in Dallas; we are going to be in Atlanta; we are going to be in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa; and we are looking forward to getting back out there, reopening Anguilla to the world again – and welcoming you, our really valuable visitors, to our island.”
Sarmento: “And we will have a few surprises for you. So, until then, have a great day. Bye bye!”
Marketing information placed by other hotels on their online platforms, include the following:
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES ANGUILLA
“At Four Seasons, we are focussed on providing guests and employees with the confidence that their health and safety are our first priority. We have implemented full-scale enhancements to our already stringent procedures through our global health and safety program, Lead With Care. Grounded in healthcare expertise and enabled by access to leading technologies and tools, Lead With Care sets out clear procedures that educate and empower employees to take care of guests and each other.
“As you think about your travel plans, we invite you to visit Welcome Back, a centralised place to find the latest information about Lead With Care, property reopenings and current facility availability. Please also review all government entry and exit requirements and any recent travel restrictions.”
AURORA ANGUILLA RESORT & GOLF CLUB TO DEBUT IN NOVEMBER
“The 178-suite Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, the former Resorts and residences by CuisinArt, is set to debut on November 1.
The 300-acre property, which encompassed CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa and The Reef by CuisinArt, was acquired by Olympus Ventures in January. CuisinArt originally opened in 1998 and The Reef in 2016.
“At the Aurora Anguilla, amenities will include a fleet of private jets offering charter service from several key US markets.
“The resort’s public spaces, guest rooms and suites have been redesigned.
“The debut also includes the opening of Aurora International Golf Club, with a remastered, 18-hole Greg Norman course and a new nine-hole course for families.
“Culinary offerings will be overseen by Abram Bissell, a former executive chef at the Modern restaurant adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art and the NoMad and Eleven Park hotels, all in New York.”
MALLIOUHANA: AUBERGE RRESORTS COLLECTION, ANGUILLA
“Welcome to Malliouhana, Anguilla’s stylish icon.
“When it opened over 30 years ago, Malliouhana put Anguilla on the map as the romantic getaway. The oceanfront resort continues to set the standard for modern day island glamour set atop a bluff that rolls down to pristine white sands and azure blue sea. From vibrant island cuisines to Caribbean seaside adventures, the Malliouhana family bring the magic of Anguilla to your doorstep.
“Add in new offerings including spacious beachfront accommodations, a cascading infinity pool that seems to drop off into the sea below, and a beach bar that epitomises toes in the sand relaxation, and a new era for Malliouhana has arrived. Come to lounge amidst the privacy of Turtle Cove, soak up the sun on the island’s best beach at Meads Bay, or take in Anguilla’s rich culinary scene, where you’ll find dynamic flavours everywhere from tiki-style beach shacks to our signature restaurant. You’ll feel at home with our easy island lifestyle and with the Malliouhana family.”
CARIMAR BEACH CLUB
“Facing the beachfront, Carimar Beach Club offers 3-star accommodation in Meads Bay and has free bikes, fitness centre and garden. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a barbecue. All rooms have a patio with garden views and free WiFi.
“All guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining room area and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a shower and free toiletries. Guestrooms will provide guests with a desk and a kettle.
“Carimar Beach Club offers a terrace. Guests at the accommodation will like to enjoy activities in and around Meads Bay, like hiking, snorkelling and cycling.
“Laundry facilities and a business centre are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk.”
THE ANGUILLA GREAT HOUSE
“You’ve got a friend at Anguilla Great House – now open. Our staff is naturally friendly and helpful in every way, and the intimate size of our hotel lends to good conversation and true island spirit.
“Over the years our guests have become our friends and our friends visit often. We invite you to explore our online home, our variety of accommodations and specials. If you need personal assistance, help with your plans, or if you would like to set up an AGH Pay Plan, please don’t hesitate to call us at 264-497-6061 or toll free at 1-800-583-9247.”
