The Tourism Unit within the Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports is pleased to highlight a significant milestone for Anguilla’s tourism development, following the successful visit of postgraduate students from George Washington University (GWU) in partnership with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). The students were hosted in Anguilla from March 18–25, 2026, where they engaged with in?country research activities in support of the development of a new National Tourism Policy and Tourism Sector Standards for Anguilla.
This research visit formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry, the CTO and George Washington University, designed to strengthen policy development across the region through applied research, data collection and stakeholder engagement. During their time on island, the students worked closely with the Ministry conducting policy?focused research and consultation, aimed at gathering data, reviewing existing frameworks and identifying priorities to guide Anguilla’s tourism sector into its next phase of sustainable growth.
The Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports continues to advance policy work to ensure tourism remains resilient, competitive and aligned with Anguilla’s economic, social and environmental goals. A National Tourism Policy and the development of national tourism sector standards are fundamental to providing strategic direction, establishing tourism standards, enhancing service quality and ensuring coordinated planning, regulation and investment across the sector.
The students engaged with key public and private sector stakeholders including the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association and representatives from the hotel and tourism industry, ensuring that diverse perspectives and practical insights inform the policymaking process.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports – Mr. Cardigan Connor, thanked the team for their willingness to conduct research in Anguilla, noting that the collaboration will contribute meaningfully to strengthening national tourism planning and development.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Karim Hodge expressed his gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the importance of continued engagement as the Ministry builds momentum towards the completion of national standards for the industry and the National Tourism Policy.
One of the students described the experience as life?changing, citing the opportunity to conduct research within his chosen field while being immersed in Anguilla’s warm, welcoming and dynamic tourism environment.
Tourism Planner Mrs. Joleyne Robin?Williams highlighted that it was critical for the students to receive full hands?on exposure throughout the engagement. She noted that Anguilla has made history as the first island to host the George Washington University programme physically since its inception.
The Government of Anguilla extends appreciation to the Anguilla Great House, Rendezvous Bay as a co?sponsor of the initiative, along with the Anguilla Tourist Board and Quest Experiences, who provided opportunities for the students to see, feel and taste the Anguilla tourism product.
The Ministry will continue with a phased approach towards the development of the National Tourism Policy, building on research findings and stakeholder engagement.
