Anguilla’s Tourism Development Areas (TDA) as outlined in the recently-completed Tourism Master-plan.
A banner, featuring the map of Anguilla, divided intoWest End, Central and East End TDAs, has been erected on the main road opposite LIME. Three other banners, which will highlight each TDA in more detail, will be placed strategically around the island in due course.
Commenting on the overall tourism development approach, Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Hubert Hughes, stated: “This gives a visual [presentation] of some of the initiatives, resources permitting, that we hope to pursue over time for the enjoyment of Anguillians as well as visitors.Anguillais a very small tourism destination and a few main attractions can go a long way to creating added interest for the visitor, encouraging longer stays and increasing visitor spending.”
Mr. Hughes observed that in order forAnguillato succeed in its efforts to improve the contribution of tourism to the economy, there was a need for close collaboration between all stakeholders, the public and private sectors, civil society and NGOs.”
Each TDA contains natural and/or built attractions, and other tourism facilities, demonstrating how different forms of tourism can be developed and co-exist in harmony.
“The Tourism Development Areas are not meant to be zones,” Parliamentary Secretary, Haydn Hughes, said. “They make it easier for both the public and private sectors to plan and to develop facilities and services for the sector.
“Natural and cultural heritage is the focus of the East End TDA. There already exists a main attraction that promotes heritage in the form of theHeritageMuseum. TheOldEast EndSchoolis regarded as a true heritage asset that should be conserved. The Fountain will become the flagship heritage site and we need all hands on deck, and all efforts should be concentrated on making this a reality and on gaining World Heritage Status for the site.”
A release stated that since Anguilla’s resort development was concentrated in the westernendof the island, the focus of theWest TDAwas the “greening of the sector”. “This provides an opportunity to collaborate with the accommodation and restaurant sector, and to build on initiatives as they relate to energy conservation, recycling and reuse, waste reduction and the reduction of the carbon footprint in general,” the release continued.
“TheCentral TDAincorporates The Valley. Apart from improvements to the air and seaport gateways, a town centre is envisaged along with a main heritage attraction…
“IslandHarbour, which undoubtedly has all the appeal of a quaint fishing village, can benefit from enhancement of the waterfront and interpretation of the unique heritage of the area. This, along with the events and festival that are based there, will improve its overall appeal and generate more economic activity.”
