Anguilla tourism and ports officials held talks with yacht owners and operators in Monaco as part of efforts to boost the island’s luxury yachting market.
The meetings took place at the Monaco Yacht Show from 23 to 26 September and focused on market expectations, future collaboration and strengthening opportunities.
The visiting team included Anguilla Tourist Board chair Sean Richard, tourism director Jameel Rochester, destination experience manager Keri Rogers and Sherman Williams, CEO of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority.
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The Monaco Yacht Show is one of the world’s premier gatherings of superyachts, yacht owners, charter professionals, luxury brands and leaders across the international yachting industry.
In a press release, Richard said Anguilla’s presence was an important opportunity to ensure that the island is represented in one of the world’s leading luxury and yachting environments.
“Beyond showcasing the destination, we are focused on building meaningful relationships with owners, operators, developers and industry partners,” he said.
“These engagements allow us to better understand the opportunities ahead and how Anguilla can continue to grow within this market while preserving the qualities that make our island distinctive.”
Anguilla’s participation also has an operational focus with Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority using the event to hear from guests about destination access, arrival procedures and port experience.
“The engagements in Monaco have been valuable from a ports and destination-access perspective,” Williams said.
“They allow us to hear directly from owners, operators and industry professionals about what they expect when arriving at a luxury destination.
“As we prepare for the upcoming yachting and small- to medium-sized luxury vessel season, these discussions will support further engagement and our continued efforts to enhance the official port-of-entry experience at Road Bay including stronger coordination among the relevant agencies and stakeholders.
“Our aim is for the arrival experience to reflect the quality, efficiency and hospitality associated with Anguilla.”
As part of its Monaco activities, the Anguilla Tourist Board partnered with BOAT International as a Premier Partner and participated as a host destination for an exclusive Owners’ Club Cocktail Reception aboard the 111-meter Leviathan motor yacht, hosted by Oceanco.
The reception provided an opportunity to introduce Anguilla to an international audience of yacht owners and industry stakeholders.
Guests were served the Shoal Bay Margarita, created for the occasion and rimmed with locally produced Anguillian salt supplied by Josveek Huligar of Anguilla Sands, Salts and Chocolate in South Hill Village.
Anguilla is also featured in a two-page spread in ‘BOAT International: The Monaco Issue’, highlighting the island’s beaches, gastronomy, accommodations and appeal to yacht owners and charter guests.
“Anguilla is uniquely suited to the luxury yachting market,” Rochester said in the press release.
“Our destination offers exceptional experiences without compromising the privacy, authenticity and effortless sophistication that today’s discerning traveler values.
“Through strategic partnerships such as BOAT International, together with direct engagement with yacht owners, operators and key industry stakeholders, we are strengthening Anguilla’s visibility and creating opportunities to establish the island as an essential part of the Caribbean yachting itinerary.”
