Stakeholders from various sectors of Anguilla’s tourist industry are working with the local tourist board to give visitors a welcome they won’t soon forget. Twice a month, on the busiest arrival days at the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (CJLIA) and the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, arriving and departing visitors are provided with refreshments and gift items. Goodies are supplied courtesy of players who offer accommodations, service providers, destination management companies, and other tourism auxiliaries.
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) and local stakeholders are working together to ensure that the initiative, which began as a pilot programme in April, is sustainable over the long term.
“We are constantly working to enhance our visitors’ experience,” declared Anguilla’s Minister of Tourism, Haydn Hughes. “We are known for our hospitality, and we recognise the importance of ensuring that both the first and last impressions of our island are equally memorable.”
Tourism Director Stacey Liburd spoke of the importance of having industry players on board.
“We appreciate the generous support of our stakeholders with this programme,” she said. “This is truly a collaborative effort, and we are delighted to see one of the main goals of the Destination Experience Unit coming to fruition.”
Visitors have also expressed their support and appreciation for this new initiative, reflected in the many positive posts and comments on the ATB’s social channels. It has also received high marks from Christopher Walling, Vice President of Operations for Salamander Hotels & Resorts and Managing Director for Aurora Anguilla.
“Aurora Anguilla is delighted to be part of this extraordinary welcome to the island,” said Walling.
“Sharing Aurora’s warm hospitality even before guests arrive to the resort sets the tone for a distinctive vacation,” he added.
The first welcome reception took place on April 16 at the CJLIA. Subsequent receptions were held on May 21 with Aurora Anguilla Resort, and on May 27 at Blowing Point, in partnership with Tropical Distributors.
