The frequency of airlift at the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, and the volume of ferry traffic at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal during the Christmas season, are considered to be the collective pulse of the new tourism season on Anguilla.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, there has been a significant decrease in ferry service to and from Anguilla. Although the sea port remains accessible for travel, mandated travel-restrictions as a result of COVID-19, as well as ongoing construction work at the ferry terminal, continue to impede access for persons desirous of using that mode of transportation.
However, despite the mandated travel-restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the accommodation of larger aircraft providing direct air travel service between the US mainland and Anguilla, has catapulted a dramatic increase in airlift operating from the island’s airport.
Reflecting on the newest chapter in travel and tourism for Anguilla – arrival of Aurora Anguilla and return of American Airlines – The Anguillian newspaper inquired about its impact on the new tourist season.
Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haydn Hughes, noted: “This tourism season has demonstrated the strength of our product, the strength of our marketing, and the leadership of the Honourable Premier, who, from the very onset of coming to office stated, and I quote: ‘We need to reopen the tourism sector and be aggressive about it.’”
Mr. Hughes continued: “We have been deliberate in our marketing efforts, and we have sat with hospitality professionals, across the sector, to ensure we promoted the island in a coordinated manner. We pursued increased airlift and promoted existing airlift including our local carriers.
“To that end, we have seen the results of our collaborative efforts, and tourism has proven to be resilient – and continues to be a pillar of Anguilla’s socioeconomic development.
“We are pleased with the progress but there is much more to do, and we expect our growth to continue for the benefit of our people. The best is yet to come!”
In a statement to The Anguillian, the Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Tourism, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, observed: “The 2021 Festive Season has proven to be a deserved reward for the hard work and dedication of the entire Anguillian community.
“Government, its support services and departments alike, the Anguilla Tourist Board and, equally as important, our stakeholders in the transportation and accommodation sectors, have done a stellar job in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully reopening our tourism product.”
She continued: “Most importantly, the smiles and welcomes of all Anguillians have translated into a bumper and robust festive start to the new [tourism] season. From Island Harbour to West End, businesses saw marked increases in revenue and turnover. It was heart warming to see our restaurants buzzing with satisfied guests. Rentals, which were parked for months on end, traversed the roads to our beautiful beaches, and escapes, for what was a charming Christmas season.
“As we press forward with increased airlift, more sea shuttle movements and the promise of further relaxed protocols, we can all expect greater returns as we do our part to represent the Anguilla we love and the travel our community actively seeks out.”
