The Anguilla Tourist Board hosted a meeting with tourism journalists to share the latest updates from the British Caribbean Island, including tourism development, new access routes, investments in the sector, new hotels, and more. The event took place at the renowned Graziella restaurant in a space fitting for the occasion.
Barbara Jesson, Founder of Jesson + Company Communications, Stacey A. Liburd, Director, and Kohn Richardson, International Markets Coordinator for the Anguilla Tourist Board, traveled to Montreal to showcase the innovations in Anguilla.
Photo: Orbita Popular
A Charming Island
Anguilla, the tranquil gem of the Caribbean, has captivated tourists from around the world with its 33 stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Shellya Liburd, originally from Jamaica, passionately expresses her love for this paradise island. Despite its compact size—25 km long and 5 km wide—Anguilla offers an authentic and personalized experience, away from all-inclusive packages, where the warmth of its people and the relaxed atmosphere invite you to disconnect. Located north of the Leeward Islands, Anguilla is the ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty and serenity.
Essential Figures for Anguilla
Stacey Liburd enthusiastically pointed out a record number of visits to Anguilla, with 98,052 visitors from January to May 2024, of which 57,165 were for extended stays, resulting in significant growth for the year. It was noted that most visitors come from the United States and Canada. “We are delighted by these tangible results thanks to our dedicated efforts to position the beautiful Caribbean Island of Anguilla as a top-tier Caribbean destination,” declared Liburd.
Access to Anguilla
American Airlines has added a third flight on Saturdays from Miami to Anguilla, set to operate from December 2024 to March 2025, bringing the total to 11 flights per week.
Additionally, there are arrivals from St. Martin, which takes a 20-minute boat ride to Anguilla. The increase in charter flights to the island is notable, including services from Condor Airlines operating from Germany to Antigua and then to Anguilla. Other flights come from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and Barbuda, among others.
Renewal and Expansion
The devastation caused by Hurricane Irma left a deep mark on Anguilla, severely affecting its infrastructure, including the airport. However, the island has embarked on an ambitious reconstruction plan that will bring significant improvements:
- By autumn 2025, the new passenger terminal is expected to be completed, with construction having started with the groundbreaking ceremony. The cargo building was completed in August 2024, and runway expansion is scheduled for next year.
- Two new luxury marinas have been announced: Altamer and Savannah Bay Marina & Resort, designed to accommodate high-end yachts.
- Additionally, "Ani Private Resorts", an exclusive resort in Shoal Bay, is set to open in 2025, offering private and personalized experiences.
Luxury Tourism
Anguilla is positioning itself as a leading destination for luxury tourism. The Malliouhana, recognized by Forbes as one of the best hotels on the island, is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a series of prestigious culinary, musical, and cultural events that promise to dazzle visitors.
Another notable hotel is the Tranquility Beach Resort, which has received the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for the third consecutive year. Additionally, the famous Mead’s Bay has been recognized as the third Best Beach in the World 2024 by USA Today, a testament to Anguilla’s natural charm.
Sustainable Tourism
Anguilla aims to become the most sustainable island in the region. With the support of the Ministry of Environment, the island has advanced its blue economy development and implemented an environmental management program, alongside establishing the Anguilla Renewable Energy Advisory. As part of this vision, a new initiative called Volun-Tourism has been launched, providing visitors with opportunities to engage in volunteer activities with local partners. This experience not only enriches their visit but also allows them to give back to the community, creating a positive and lasting impact on the island.
Upcoming Events
Liburd enthusiastically presented a lineup of activities for visitors that will fill the 2025 calendar in Anguilla: Besides the return of the Summer Festival, the legendary Moonsplash reggae festival in March 2025, the Festival del Mar celebrating fish and seafood during Easter, the Anguilla Culinary Experience (ACE) featuring renowned chefs Zachary Engel and Yannich Rochat, and the Anguilla Music Tourism Convention scheduled for November 2025.
