Last week, the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) celebrated record-breaking tourism figures for the island with over 120 agents and operators in Chester and London in evening events that marked the beginning of a European-wide sales mission.
At the events, ATB chairperson Donna Banks, who lead the delegation which included Malliouhana, CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, Belmond(Cap Juluca) and Little Harbour Estates, revealed that British holidaymakers have been showing Anguilla the love this winter, resulting in the island?s best performing winter season in over 27 years.
The first quarter (January to March 2019) tourism statistics revealed that tourist arrivals, defined as those staying one night or more, to the island reached their highest levels since they began tracking arrivals 27 years ago, totalling 30,135 from all markets. The figure represents a 20.6 per cent increase over the first quarter of 2016, which until now, held the record for the most tourist arrivals.
The UK, the biggest of the European markets, performed well with more than 1,184 tourist arrivals between January and March, representing a 113.3% increase year on year.
The growth looks set to continue in to the second quarter, with April proving to be yet another record-breaking month with 449 tourist arrivals from the UK, an increase of 152.2% year on year and 9,790 from all markets, the USA and Canada being the biggest international markets. This is the largest number of tourist arrivals to Anguilla for any month of April since 1993.
Donna Banks said: ?Let us celebrate but not become complacent. There is still much work to be done; our goal remains a 20% increase in tourist arrivals over 2016. We appreciate and value the continued support and cooperation of all our stakeholders, and the people of Anguilla, in helping us to achieve these significant milestones for our industry.?
Carolyn Brown, ATB director for UK and Scandinavia, added: ?We?re delighted with the results and continue to receive positive feedback from Operators reporting strong forward bookings for 2019 and beyond. The recent high-profile hotel openings and improved access from the UK has certainly helped put Anguilla on the map for 2019. The Island?s warm hospitality, charm and breadth of product will ensure those first-time visitors return for years to come.?