Anguilla eyes UK growth as island eases Covid entry requirements
Former MemberAnguilla is hoping to grow visitation from the UK through improved air connectivity and a fresh focus on the island’s culinary prowess, with a new food festival in the works.
The island is set to ease its Covid-19 entry requirements for fully vaccinated visitors from 1 April.
Fully vaccinated arrivals will no longer need to apply for permission to visit the island, although they will still need to provide evidence of their vaccination and of a negative test for Covid-19 taken up to 72 hours prior to entry.
To date, the island has experienced low rates of Covid-19 infection.
Director of tourism, Stacey Liburd, told TTG she hoped this easing of entry requirements at the start of April would boost visitation over the Easter break and beyond.
Liburd added Anguilla’s luxury focus and its relatively small size would make it an attractive option for the UK market in the wake of the Covid crisis.
“It’s not highly populated," said Liburd. "There aren’t hundreds of people disembarking cruise ships daily so people can easily socially distance and have privacy. It’s barefoot luxury and off the beaten path."
American Airlines recently announced plans to increase airlift from Miami to Anguilla from three-times-weekly to daily from 2 April.
The tourist board is also keen to cement Anguilla’s reputation as a destination for high quality food and cuisine.
The Anguilla Culinary Experience is a new food festival running from 11-15 May. The event will see top chefs from around the world partner with local chefs for cooking demonstrations, cook-offs, and private dining events.
“Everyone on the island is excited as we consider ourselves the culinary capital of the Caribbean," said Liburd. "This is the first of its kind and we’re hoping to be able to repeat it."
Liburd, who joined the island’s tourist board at the height of the pandemic in January 2021, said Anguilla will also continue to highlight its mid-market offering and home rentals, and aim to demonstrate it’s not just a luxury option.
Solo travel is another focus for the destination. “We’re seeing an increased solo travel trend, with travellers ranging from their mid-20s to people in their 50s and 60s, which speaks of the safety of Anguilla,” said Liburd.
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