ANGUILLA, B.W.I. – June 10, 2015 –Caribbean Week in New York proved to be a successful endeavor for the promotion of Anguilla’s tourism product. Anguilla’s delegation was led by newly-elected Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, the Honorable Cardigan Connor, and included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Development, Merwyn Foster Rogers; newly appointed Chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board, Donna Banks; and Director of Tourism Candis Niles. Anguilla’s participation in the week-long schedule of events which ran from June 1st to 6th, was coordinated by the island’s North America Marketing and Public Relations agency CAMC, under the leadership of principal, Cheryl Andrews, Senior Account Supervisor Jennifer Johnson, Account Executive, Lesley-Ann Thompson and Jill Jones, marketing associate, The Travel Marketing Network.
The Anguillian delegation spent the first half of the week attending sales- focused events including the Travel Agent Educational Seminar, a targeted event that provided a platform to showcase the destination’s offerings; and the Romance Pavilion, a key niche consumer event that attracted more than 200 couples and travel agents who specialize in romance, weddings and honeymoons. A romance- themed brochure, Find Your Shade of Romance In Anguilla: Weddings Made Wonderful, that featured eight romance packages currently being offered by hotels, was created and distributed during this event.
The robust schedule on Thursday June 5 included an interview with newly-elected Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Cardigan Connor by Robb Report, one of the leading luxury trade publications in the U.S. Next on the agenda was Media Marketplace where the Anguilla booth was a favorite for the more than 100 media in attendance, all eager to meet Mr. Connor and to hear and learn about the latest news, developments and industry offerings. This event provided yet another valuable opportunity to be top of mind with niche and general destination writers across all platforms including print, digital, online and social media. Following Media Marketplace, Anguilla tourism team hosted top travel journalists from the New York and Tri-State area for an intimate, invite-only dinner at one of New York’s newest hip and upscale locations, The Baccarat Hotel and Residences. Media attendees represented top outlets including Travel + Leisure, CNN.com, Ebony.com, ABCNews.com, FoxNews.com/Travel, USAToday.com, Travel Weekly, Recommend Magazine and TravelAgent Central Magazine and more were on-hand to hear “what’s new” and newsworthy from the Anguilla delegation.
The week wrapped up with a festive evening of dining and dancing at CTO’s Rum & Rhythm event. Anguilla’s table at Rum & Rhythm was one of the most popular as the team served up saltfish, johnnycakes and Anguilla Splash–a rum punch made with Pyrat Rum. The evening’s traditional culinary offerings were prepared by Anguillian national, Yvette Gumbs, and APANY President Carlson Connor, while signature Anguillian service was provided by APANY executives, Oriel Thomas and Ann Connor.
“Caribbean Week 2015 continues to be an important platform for us to showcase Anguilla’s unique tourism product, Tranquility Wrapped in Blue.” noted ATB Director of Tourism, Candis Niles. “In addition to strengthening ties with our regional and international Tourism counterparts through the CTO business meetings and educational events, our participation in the Travel Agent Seminar, the Romance Pavilion and Media Marketplace provided us with the opportunity to place Anguilla front of mind with the trade, consumers and key journalists in our largest market, and to share what new travelers and returning visitors can expect for the summer including our annual Summer Prix-Fixe program which offers savings of over 30% on accommodations and dining options throughout the island.”
