The government has launched a ten-year Dive Tourism Policy designed to foster sustainable industry growth while safeguarding Anguilla’s unique marine environment.
The 45-page document, titled ‘A Holistic Approach for Anguilla’, includes guidelines on environmental conservation, community engagement, economic growth, safety, regulations and marketing.
The official launch took place on 13 November at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing and Tourism conference room.
In his welcome address, Kendell Richardson, the ministry’s quality assurance and compliance manager, called the policy a “significant milestone” in Anguilla’s tourism journey.
He said it was crafted with “great care and dedication” and represents a collective effort to ensure Anguilla’s success while preserving its natural environment for future generations.
The policy will enhance visitor experiences, create economic opportunities for local businesses, and protect the marine ecosystem, Richardson explained
A call for action
Minister of Tourism Haydn Hughes described the new policy as a “call for action” to ensure the sustainable growth of dive tourism in Anguilla.
“Anguilla’s natural resources, particularly our crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, are among the island’s most valuable assets,” he said.
“Dive tourism, which allows visitors to experience these underwater treasures, has the potential to be a significant driver of both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
“However, in order to grow sustainably and responsibly, we need to ensure that the dive tourism is developed in a way that balances economic benefits and environmental protection.”
The policy, he said, provides a clear framework for achieving this balance.
An industry leader
Hughes said the policy will strengthen dive operator regulations, promote marine conservation best practices, and ensure Anguilla’s dive tourism sector aligns with environmental goals.
“This means creating a win-win scenario where visitors can enjoy world class diving experiences and our local communities can benefit from the economic opportunities generated by this industry,” he said.
The minister highlighted the collaborative approach behind the policy’s creation, emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting the sector through training and capacity-building initiatives.
Hughes also pointed to the potential for visitors to participate in ‘volun-tourism’ initiatives, such as coral reef restoration projects, clean-up campaigns, and other environmental efforts.
He said the policy will position Anguilla as a leader in the blue economy and as a key player in marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
A strategic framework
The Ministry of Tourism’s tourism planner, Joleyne Robin-Williams, said the policy is more than a set of guidelines, but rather a strategic framework.
It will help the island to harness the immense potential of dive tourism to benefit Anguilla’s economy, its communities and the sustainability of its precious marine environment, she said.
“Dive tourism is a key pillar of our tourism offerings, and this policy positions us to grow in the industry in a way that is both economically rewarding and environmentally responsible,” she added.
Robin-Williams said the policy is the result of extensive research, best practices, interviews, consultations and several reviews, and thanked everyone that contributed.
She added that the ministry will work tirelessly to implement the policy and keep it a “living document,” responsive to the sector’s evolving needs.
Collaboration
Kimberly King, chief marketing officer at the Anguilla Tourist Board, said they have provided input and been involved throughout the creation of the policy.
Earlier this year, the tourism minister asked the marketing department to promote Anguilla as a dive destination, she added.
She stressed that Anguilla competes with other destinations offering similar experiences, however destination marketing helps with targeting new or expanding markets.
Throughout the year, the board collaborated with dive operators, implemented a campaign selling Anguilla as an year-round destination, attended industry events and created a destination brochure.
However, this is only the start, she said, adding that in 2025 the board will create a high definition video and images of Anguilla’s underwater diving experience among other things.
The event concluded with a presentation of the Dive Tourism Policy, and a featured address by Aleeza Moseley of the Blue Economy Diving Alliance.
Anguilla Focus will examine the policy in detail in a subsequent article.
