For a small island, like Anguilla, which, as the saying goes, “has all of its eggs in one basket”, it is a matter of much significance and relief that our tourism industry is back on track to resuscitate our declining economy following what is commonly called “the slow period” or the “close of the season”. It is in this context that Four Seasons Resort and Residences must be highly commended and welcomed for gracing our beautiful shores with its global presence, and for providing a greater degree of stimulus and recognition for our tourism product and Anguilla’s reputation as a quality destination. At the same time, we must also add kudos to the Reef by CuisinArt now coming on stream as the sister property of CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa. The addition of these properties will certainly further enhance the island’s name in the international marketplace and boost investor confidence in Anguilla.
It is also with much anticipation and hope that we look forward to the reopening of Cap Juluca which, over the years, earned the title of “the flagship” of Anguilla’s tourism industry. It is hoped that all the ownership and other related issues of the resort will be settled without further delay so that it can properly function and develop the way it should, and as an important partner in the tourism sector of the economy. The coming reopening of Malliouhana-Auberge Resort will also be a welcome event. We hear about a number of potential projects including a yacht marina and additional development at Altamer Resort. If all of these and other proposed developments, said to be in the pipeline, were to materialise, one would expect to see a healthy take off of our tourism industry with its resultant benefits for our people and the growth of the economy.
The return of the tourism season has also brought revival to all of the ancillary services. The providers include taxi operators, car rental companies, ferryboat operators, restaurant owners, arts and craft producers, museum curators and the whole range of other supportive services across the length and breadth of Anguilla. If there is a very busy tourism season, the island should do well. It behoves all and sundry to play their part to ensure that there is an upsurge in tourist arrivals. Much is expected not only from hoteliers, guesthouse and villa operators, and their sales and marketing teams, but from the Anguilla Tourist Board, its marketing representatives in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Latin America, and Puerto Rico and the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association. In short, it is a call for “all hands on deck”.
The 2015-2016 tourism season in Anguilla was a relatively short one which did not serve the island’s economy and people very well. Every effort must therefore be made to extend the period for as long as possible. There is a growing school of thought that the time has come to give serious consideration not only to extending the season, but for there to be year-round tourism activity in Anguilla as in other destinations. After all, we have some of the best properties in the world. It should be an adventurous and hopefully successful journey to embark on, with the planning and implementation of a set of supportive and attractive marketing programmes. Who will be the game changer in Anguilla?
To return to where we started, it is exciting to see the rebounding of our tourism industry with our Signature Resorts and Residences, Luxury Villas, Charming Escape Collection of Hotels and Guesthouses open for business, and the revival of our important ancillary services. Like the welcome rain, a few months ago, as sparse as it was, which gave creation and beauty to a carpet of green across our land, the return of the tourism season brings with it springtime for the economy of Anguilla and the wellbeing if its people.
