With Anguilla already enjoying an increase in tourist arrivals and stays at the various resorts, the island is expected to benefit further from its presence at World Tourism Market in São Paulo, Brazil, part of the South American Market.
This market comprises primarily Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia with limited activity in Panama, Uruguay and Paraguay.
The World Trade Show will be held during the period April 2 – 4. The Anguilla delegation will comprise Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism; Mrs. Donna Banks, Chairperson of the Anguilla Tourist Board and Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, Manager of Corporate Affairs. Their visit will include both Brazil and Argentina, the biggest South American tourist markets. In addition to the three-day fair, there will be meetings to finalize 2019 – 2020 plans and public relations opportunities.
In an email to Mr. Connor, who shared it with The Anguillian newspaper, Mrs. Banks wrote: “The Anguilla Tourist Board has, for in excess of five years, partnered with both French and Dutch St. Maarten to grow access from these markets via COPA airlines through a Memorandum of Understanding. Following Irma, flights have been reduced to two from four per week. The aim is, by the end of the year 2019, to grow flights to a constant four flights per week and, in two to three years, to daily flights.
“The South American Market is the market with the second highest investment after North America. We believe that our presence there must be more visible, and that our agencies must sense the commitment and leadership of the Board through our presence at trade fairs, as well as visits to the markets, by senior officials, to again communicate a deeper sense of commitment. It is also very important that in-market meetings are held with agencies. They must visit the destination and we must visit the market.”
