Apart from increased airlift, luxury accommodation facilities, and reasonable occupancy rates, there are two other matters that are also attracting growing numbers of tourists to Anguilla.
One is the way that the Health Team and the Ministry of Health have handled, and are continuing to administer, the island’s COVID protocols. The other is the high level of COVID vaccinations on the island.
A number of tourists, at the island’s various hotels, have openly said they are pleased with the protocols and the level of vaccinations in Anguilla. Many residents have already taken the first and second AstraZeneca doses; and others have also had the Pfizer booster shots.
Although the wearing of masks is still officially required on the island, most of the visitors are so confident about their safety that they are seen at hotel and villa properties without masks.
In her address for Tourism Week, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, said in part: “Anguilla’s health protocols and high vaccination rate have resulted in a great degree of trust among travellers coming to the island. We led the way issuing transparent communications on protocols, with real time updates, and implemented an aggressive island-wide vaccination programme. These actions have generated a high degree of trust and confidence in Anguilla as a vacation destination – both in the travel advisor community, as well as among our perspective travellers.”
In terms of preparations for increased travel to Anguilla, the Parliamentary Secretary continued: “The airport is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment, with plans for the upgrading and expansion of the overall facility well underway.
“We have broken ground on the new Ferry Terminal at Blowing Point – and, upon its completion, it will undoubtedly be one of the finest in the region.
“This winter, we will make history as American Airlines inaugurates twice-weekly services from Miami on December 5 [11], with a third flight, starting on January 5. Cape Air inaugurated a twice-daily scheduled service from St. Thomas on November 20. Both airlines will operate year-round, bringing much-needed additional capacity to the island.
“We welcome back Silver Airways and Trade Wind Aviation Services from San Juan – and Sky High Aviation Services from the Dominican Republic. This is while Anguilla Air Services and Trans-Anguilla have steadfastly continued their operations against all odds.”
Mrs. Gumbs-Marie added that while attracting new airlift to Anguilla, the island had also attracted new investors. Among them are the developers of Aurora Anguilla Resort who will be flying their own guests to the island, direct from the US mainland, on their jet aircraft.
By all accounts, Anguilla is set for a great tourism season – 2021-2022, and that’s the word from tourism personnel in the public and private sectors.
