Anguilla to Continue Rejecting Cruise Tourism Amid Pandemic Recovery
Tourism Minister Haydn Hughes Unfazed by Revenue Implications
Minister of Tourism Haydn Hughes (CMC Photo)
In a move aimed at rebuilding its tourism sector after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Anguilla has announced its decision to reject cruise tourism despite potential revenue benefits.
According to Tourism Minister Haydn Hughes, the British Overseas Territory has decided that the revenue generated from cruise tourism is not worth the environmental impact. “Well, it’s a given, it’s not even debatable that cruise does hurt the overall environment,” Hughes said during a media briefing. “You have to weigh what you would benefit from a cruise and what will be the drawbacks.”
Anguilla aims to position itself as a high-end destination that attracts wealthy visitors willing to pay top dollar for luxurious accommodations and amenities. In contrast, cruise tourists typically spend less and can negatively impact the local environment.
In an interview with reporters, Hughes explained that cruise tourism would “somewhat water down the product” and that the island aims to protect the integrity of its tourism sector, ensuring that Anguillan people benefit most from the industry.
While some island destinations rely heavily on cruise tourism, Anguilla has chosen to attract international airlines, offering flights directly to the island without the need for minimum revenue guarantees.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was primarily celebrities traveling to Anguilla, and the improvements in public infrastructure, including the airport, have made the destination more attractive,” Hughes noted.
American Airlines started offering flights to Anguilla in December 2021, and the service has been performing exceptionally well. Starting November 3, American Airlines will operate eight flights a week to Anguilla, increasing to 11 flights during the festive season.
Silva Airways and Tradewind Aviation continue to provide service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, directly into Anguilla. Codeshare agreements with Delta, American, and JetBlue enable seamless connections to Anguilla.
In addition, Hughes announced that the island plans to invest in infrastructure, including the expansion of its airport strip and the construction of a new terminal, set to begin in the first quarter of 2023.
Closing Remarks: While Anguilla’s decision to reject cruise tourism may come as a surprise to some, it is clear that the island is committed to building a sustainable tourism industry that prioritizes both economic benefits and environmental concerns. With its focus on attracting high-end travelers and investing in infrastructure, Anguilla is poised for a bright future in the tourism industry.
FAQs:
A: To protect the integrity of the island’s tourism sector and ensure that Anguillan people benefit most from the industry, as well as to mitigate the negative environmental impact of cruise tourism.
A: The island is focusing on attracting high-end travelers and international airlines, offering direct flights to the island without the need for minimum revenue guarantees.
A: The island is investing in expanding its airport strip and constructing a new terminal, set to begin in the first quarter of 2023.