Adriana Rodríguez, President, Hectours Tour Operators; Hector Montanez, Development and Marketing, Seaborne Airlines
Plans are currently being finalized for the inaugural flight of Seaborne Airlines to Anguilla on April 30, 2015. The 34- seater SAAB aircraft, which will operate three days per week on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, is scheduled to depart San Juan at 1:00 pm, arriving Anguilla at 2:05 pm. The flight will then depart Anguilla at 2:50 pm, arriving San Juan at 3:55 pm. A special introductory rate of US$215.00 roundtrip, with all taxes included, will be available on the flight up to June 17th, 2015.
In anticipation of the commencement of the flight, a number of marketing initiatives have been undertaken by Seaborne Airlines and the Anguilla Tourist Board to raise awareness of the new service in the Puerto Rican, US and Anguilla markets. Efforts included the running of billboard signs, television, newspaper and radio ads and social media exposure for the island of Puerto Rico, while the news of the new flight was shared with press, trade and consumers during a number of travel events held over the past few months in key states throughout the USA and Canada, as well as through trade and social media channels. Information on the new flight was also distributed locally through the radio, newspaper and social media channels.
On April 17th , 2015, the Anguilla Tourist Board in conjunction with Seaborne Airlines hosted a launch event, themed Shades of Blue Launch party in San Juan, which brought together a cross-section of Anguilla’s leading accommodation sector partners, and travel trade and media representatives from the Puerto Rico market to promote the new flight and accommodation specials that are currently on offer for the Puerto Rico market for the upcoming Summer season. Also on hand were representatives from the MetroPavia Health System in Puerto Rico, who have partnered with Seaborne Airlines to offer special benefits and incentives to Anguillians travelling to Puerto Rico for medical services.
On Thursday April 30th ribbon cutting ceremonies will take place for the inaugural flights in both Puerto Rico and Anguilla. A fam visit will also take place in conjunction with Seaborne and the Anguilla Tourist Board in Anguilla for a group of media and travel professionals, while a similar group comprising representatives from the media, travel agencies and the Health Authority of Anguilla will also undertake a fam visit in Puerto Rico in conjunction with the MetroPavia Healthcare Systems.
