The Ministry of Tourism is hosting a series of consultations to gather feedback and address concerns about the future of luxury cruise tourism in Anguilla.
Over the course of three days, stakeholders – including industry partners, cruise agents, private sector representatives and government ministers – will come together for the discussions.
Led by members of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the initiative seeks to foster collaboration and provide valuable insights on the development of the industry.
The launch of the discussions took place on Monday, 17 March, and featured a welcome speech from newly elected tourism minister Cardigan Connor.
He said the consultations will strengthen collective efforts to develop a more “unified and robust” cruise tourism sector in the eastern Caribbean.
Connor added that the government’s priority is to develop the sector strategically and sustainably, and that efforts must be grounded in sound and effective policy development and implementation.
The consultations and continued collaboration with stakeholders will shape the industry into something that is “resilient and responsive to the demanding needs of the global market”, he said.
‘Essential initiative’
The government’s tourism planner, Joleyne Robin-Williams, said the event marks a significant milestone in efforts to foster sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism development.
She described the consultations as an “essential initiative” and said the Ministry of Tourism is “genuinely excited” to collaborate with the ECCB.
The talks will lay the foundation for strategic planning, innovation and sustainable practices in the island’s cruise tourism sector, she said.
Robin-Williams told attendees that Anguilla is not widely recognised as a luxury cruise tourism destination, however in the past four months has recorded a “relatively high” number of arrivals.
“While we are encouraged by this progress, we also recognise that there are long standing challenges that comes with it,” she said.
She said the ministry has been listening closely to communities and stakeholders and has recorded and shared genuine concerns with the ECCB.
Benefits and complaints
Robin-Williams said that in Sandy Ground, which serves as the primary port for small cruise vessel arrivals, some business owners have reported direct benefits from cruise ship passengers.
“For example, local ground transport operators and small businesses have seen an increase in activities,” she said.
However, there have been complaints, as some people feel that the economic contribution from cruise visitors has not met expectations.
There have also been concerns about safety and security at the ports, destruction of underwater infrastructure, lack of engagement from small boat operators and aesthetic appeal, Robin-Williams said.
She stressed that the development of a national cruise tourism policy will provide a clearer picture of what works for Anguilla, whether the sector can be successful and what the return on investment will be.
“In the end, the goal is clear – for Anguilla to win, to grow and to benefit from the evolving cruise tourism sector in a holistic, sustainable and meaningful way,” she said.
National Tourism Policy
Robin-Williams explained that what makes the collaboration even more significant is thay following the development of a national cruise tourism policy there are plans for a national tourism policy.
The tourism ministry has agreed to partner with the ECCB and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to make this happen.
“This is a major step forward, as it presents a unified strategic approach to shaping the tourism industry for the future,” she said.
She explained that this will be more than just a plan for cruise tourism, but an inclusive blueprint for the development of all aspects of Anguilla’s tourism sector.
“In conclusion, the cruise tourism policy is just not an event, but a crucial step in building a sustainable, thriving tourism sector for Anguilla.”
Watch the launch of the talks in full below:
