Anguilla’s tourism minister, Cardigan Connor, took centre stage as a panel speaker at a major regional tourism meeting in Barbados.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference took place from 30 September to 3 October at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
It featured more than 300 delegates, including 22 ministers and commissioners from across the region, an Anguilla Tourist Board press release said on 6 October.
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During the event, Connor engaged in high-level talks on the Caribbean’s tourism vision in a Council of Ministers Meeting, and was a key speaker during a panel discussion.
He spoke on the topic, ‘Unlocking the niche market potential of sports tourism’, and highlighted sport as a catalyst for sustainable growth, community empowerment and destination branding.
“The needs of Anguillans must always come first,” the former professional cricketer told attendees.
“Just as the Anguilla Tennis Academy serves our youth and inspires the next generation of athletes, so too must our infrastructure – our airport and our seaports – which not only welcome visitors but uplift our community.”
Deputy tourism director Chantelle Richardson joined the minister to present at the Destination Media Briefing during the conference.
She gave an in-depth update on Anguilla’s tourism performance, strategic priorities, economic diversification and growth.
Her presentation featured the upcoming BermudAir direct flights from Boston, Newark and Baltimore, and the island’s targeted marketing initiatives across the US, Canada, UK and Latin America.
Connor reinforced the Government of Anguilla’s commitment to economic diversity, sustainability, infrastructure advancement and community inclusion.
The session concluded with a question and answer session, showcasing Anguilla’s vision to be a destination grounded in authenticity, powered by innovation and strengthened by partnership.
Permanent secretary of tourism Karim Hodge also accompanied Connor and Richardson to the conference.
