Not pictured: Kay Showker.
Not pictured: Kéla Walker and Metanoya Webb.
ANGUILLA, B.W.I – May 28, 2014 – As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness of Anguilla’s key niche markets and showcase the variety of offerings of the Caribbean island, the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) in conjunction with its North America Sales and Marketing and Public Relations firm, Cheryl Andrews Marketing Communications (CAMC), hosted a press trip in recognition of the Third Annual Anguilla Lit Fest: A Literary Jollification, from May 21 – 26. The five-day trip included four writers and editors representing leading print and on-line media outlets across the United States, accompanied by CAMC representatives Christina Baez and Melissa Benhaim.
Press trip participants included Nanci McArdle, interim editor at luxury lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler; Metanoya Webb, freelance editor at Marie Claire & Cosmopolitan, writer/reporter for BET.com and TheGrio.com and creator of Globetrotting Stiletto Inc. and video series Cupcakes & Café; Kéla Walker, NY Emmy Nominated TV Host and founder of the blog Kéla’s Kloset, featured in Essence, InStyle and Glamour.com; and Kay Showker, author of numerous Caribbean guidebooks, including 100 Best Resorts of the Caribbean. The highly interactive and varied itinerary was crafted to give the visiting journalists not only an opportunity to participate in the Lit Fest events and presentations, but also to experience various facets of Anguilla’s attractions, its culture and its heritage.
Meals and receptions were hosted at resort and stand-alone restaurants across the island, including host resort Cuisinart Golf Resort and Spa. The group attended a special reception and tour for the authors and press at Ce Blue Beach Resort and Villas, a Welcome Reception for all delegates and guests at the Paradise Cove Resort, A Celebration of the Anguilla Arts at Cap Juluca Resort and the Voices of Our Nation presentation at La Vue Conference Centre, followed by a dinner at Flavours Restaurant. The evening receptions provided the journalists the opportunity to connect personally with the festival’s noted speakers and writers, thus supplementing the daytime presentations which formed part of Lit Fest. Lunches for the press group included DaVida’s during their island tour on Thursday, The Lit Fest Maverick Luncheon Presentations at Paradise Cove Resort Friday and Saturday and a boat tour of the island followed by lunch at Robinson-Crusoe-like Sandy Island on Sunday. The group rounded out their Anguilla culinary experience with a sunset cocktail reception at exquisite Ultimacy Villa in Island Harbour, followed by dinner at Hibernia Restaurant on Sunday evening.
“When crafting the itinerary for this press trip, it was important to include a variety of activities in addition to Lit Fest to showcase Anguilla’s diverse offerings,” notes Candis Niles, Director of Tourism with the Anguilla Tourist Board. “By including culinary, art and cultural elements, as well as time for the writers to unwind and experience some of the island’s 33 incredible, award-winning beaches, the attendees received a comprehensive experience of Anguilla, Tranquility Wrapped in Blue. We are pleased with the way in which the international press has embraced the Anguilla Lit Fest, recognizing it as one of the most authentic and appealing festivals for discerning travelers. As our visiting media share their experiences via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogging, they are not only building the equity of this unique literary festival, but also are continuing to position Anguilla as the premier destination of choice in the Caribbean region.”
Immediate coverage from the press trip has already been generated over social media, reaching more than 5,100 followers on Twitter and more than 11,300 followers on Instagram. Additional coverage will follow in the coming months.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
Photos submitted.
