The large number of private executive jets and mega yachts that have visited Anguilla over the Christmas and New Year period have shown the island to be an enjoyable and attractive tourism destination.
This is according to the Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Cardigan Connor, who stated: “I think that at the end of 2019 we had a perfect finish. This is in the sense that, over the last three years, with Anguilla having been voted the number one island in the Caribbean (Bahamas and Bermuda) by the readers of Travel & Leisure, we ended the year with a huge positive. I think everybody needs to be applauded for that.”
He continued: “When you consider the number of private jets that came in, some people would judge that as success – and those who saw the mega yachts at our beaches, also would say that it sent a positive message that tourism in Anguilla is doing very well.
“I would like to think that, as we go into 2020, we will continue to grow from strength to strength. There are a number of positives that are in the pipelines for the first quarter of the year. There is likely to be some movement in the hotel industry, and we are hoping that it will come through for tourism. I think we are looking to be in a very good position. Of course, there will always be challenges, but the key is how to cope with those challenges. Over the past year we have had some unexpected challenges, but we were able to fight our way through them.
“As we go into 2020, we better prepare ourselves whatever was the experience, positive or negative, over the past year. We should learn from that and look forward to making Anguilla an even better place.”
Mr. Connor commented that the many jets which flew to Anguilla had, without doubt, shown the importance of developing the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. “It is something we have been talking about for a number of years, and our Government is making strides towards the extension of the airport – as well as making sure that we can get international flights coming into Anguilla,” he said. “This is not just for the private planes but for bigger aircraft to bring in larger numbers of people.
“Without doubt, St. Maarten has played a major role for us in the transitional period – as well as Puerto Rico – but we believe that it would be helpful for Anguilla, as a destination, when people take the decision to fly direct to Anguilla. With the United States being our main tourist base, we look forward to visitors flying to Anguilla directly from there when it becomes possible. We are also looking further afield – whether to South America or Europe – to have direct flights coming in from there.
“It will also help our Diaspora – whether in England, the United States or South America – to have direct flights home. I think that will definitely help.”
In terms of the increasing number of mega yachts coming to Anguilla, Mr. Connor was asked how plans were progressing for one or more yacht marinas for the island.
He replied: “The process is there. Negotiations are currently going on. For us in Anguilla, we see a definite need for such facilities. Although there are persons in Anguilla who may be happy with where we are today, there are still others who may want to see more and, by all means, we should try to get the best of what is available.
“Anguilla is regarded as one of those islands that are attractive destinations for marinas, so we will do the best that we can to accommodate those facilities. As I said, there are negotiations going on now for a couple of marinas and, hopefully, within the next year, or so, we will see them coming to fruition.”
