The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is reporting that its first, post-pandemic roadshow to the southwest and the southeast USA was a resounding success. The tourism delegation, led by ATB Director of Tourism Mrs. Stacey Liburd and ATB Coordinator, International Markets Mrs. Chantelle Richardson, met with leading travel advisors in each market to advise them of the travel protocols in place for entry into Anguilla and bring them up to date on the new product offerings on island. The blitz was supported by a number of resort partners – – Belmond Cap Juluca, Tranquility Beach Resort, Malliouhana, Auberge Resort Collection, Aurora Anguilla, Quintessence Hotel, Zemi Beach House and Manoah Boutique Hotel.
“We’re thrilled with the success of our first roadshow as we seek to rebuild trade and consumer confidence with the rebound of the travel industry. The new, weekly air services on American Airlines from Dallas and on Frontier Airlines from Orlando and Miami into the St. Martin gateway make traveling to Anguilla easier than ever this summer,” noted Mrs. Liburd. “There is tremendous interest in our island among the advisors, and we will continue to work closely with our retail partners and tour operators on a variety of promotional and trade initiatives.”
In each city, the team hosted cocktail receptions for advisors and media representatives, designed to promote the island as a premier vacation destination. The ATB led with a destination presentation by Director Stacey Liburd, followed by resort presentations by the stakeholder partners. At the end of each reception, travel advisor attendees were treated to a special opportunity to experience the island in person, with surprise stays awarded courtesy of the participating stakeholders.
The ATB met with approximately 120 advisors over the course of the roadshow, all of whom were delighted to meet the Anguilla team and enthusiastic about selling the destination.
“The Anguilla Tourist Board representatives presented a fun look at what makes the island a special destination and provided the information advisors need to share with prospective visitors. In short, Anguilla is attractive for romance travel, destination weddings and off-the-beaten-path family vacations,” said Bob Shaffer, Luxury Travel Advisor from Vacations by Cruise & Travel Experts in Tampa. “The Anguilla Tourist Board event was fantastic and much needed. We are all excited to sell Anguilla! with so much changing right now the tourist board is more important than ever to keep us informed. Thank you!” said Susan Archer from South Travel Edge in Atlanta.
The ATB and its partners were extremely pleased with the response from the advisor community. Representatives from leading agencies including FROSCH, ProTravel International, SmartFlyer, Global Express Travel & Tours, Travel Edge, Overseas Leisure Group, and the ID Travel Group attended the roadshow. The ATB visited the Ultimate Jet Vacations team in Miami and met with over 30 advisors to update them about what is new on island and thank them for their continued support.
The series of in-person sales events is the ATB’s first major trade initiative as the reopening campaign gets underway. Additional roadshows are planned to the West Coast in August and to the Northeast in October, all key source markets for Anguilla as the destination seeks to recapture market share.
Anguilla Tourist Board, www.IvisitAnguilla.com