THE VALLEY, Anguilla — The ministry of tourism on the island of Anguilla is celebrating an increase of 20.2 percent in visitor arrivals during the month of June. The island has been enjoying a stellar year in tourism, with total arrivals for the second quarter showing a recorded increase of 13.8 percent when compared to the same period of 2012.
“In 2012 we undertook innovative initiatives to stimulate growth in our tourism industry and we are now seeing the results across all categories. In addition to increased arrivals in stopover leisure travelers, we have also seen an uptick in business and excursionist arrivals,” said Haydn Hughes, parliamentary secretary for tourism and sports.
A total of 83,203 visitor arrivals were reported for the first half of 2013 and, with this continued growth trend, Anguilla is predicting a robust winter season. The ministry of tourism recently appointed a new chairman, Oliver MacDonna, to the Anguilla Tourist Board. MacDonna brings to the position over 20 years of seasoned and insightful industry experience and along with the island’s branding, public relations and sales partners, is ensuring Anguilla’s tourism product delivers the premium and enriching experience travelers have come to expect.
“I am pleased with the heightened performance of our tourism industry thus far. However, we are not relying on this growth trend to fuel our upcoming winter season,” said MacDonna. “Over the coming months, we will be activating a myriad of laser-focused ideation. We have also increased trade engagement with our industry partners. We are confident these efforts will elevate Anguilla beyond our current momentum.”
In addition, the ministry of tourism has secured increased air service between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Anguilla, with the introduction of Tradewind Aviation’s scheduled non-stop service, four times daily, five times per week, commencing October 31, 2013. This new service extends direct flight offerings on this very important route, which is currently serviced by carriers Cape Air and Anguilla Air Express.
Anguilla can also be accessed by air from St Maarten/St Martin, with direct flights on Anguilla Air Service and Trans-Anguilla Airways. Also, Trans-Anguilla recently launched “Island Flight Services” which offers direct flights along the very scenic route between St Kitts and Nevis, St Eustatius, and Anguilla allowing travelers to island hop.