Anguilla celebrates ‘record-breaking’ arrival numbers

Anguilla has reported a “record-breaking” surge in visitor arrivals after welcoming almost 24,000 tourists in December last year.

 

The figure represents a 24.5% increase from the 19,178 arrivals recorded in December 2023, and the highest number of visitors for the month since 1993.

 

March, June and October were also among the island’s best-performing months for tourism last year.

 

The majority of arrivals (99%) were travelling for leisure, with the remainder visiting for business.

 

Anguilla’s director of tourism, Stacey Liburd, said: “These impressive figures showcase Anguilla’s growing appeal to travellers, confirming our status as a preferred choice in the Caribbean, particularly within the luxury sector.

 

“This accomplishment is the result of strategic collaborations with our public and private stakeholders, along with regional partners, as well as the Anguilla Tourist Board’s successful marketing efforts. Furthermore, Anguilla’s distinctive charm, pristine beaches, excellent dive sites, exceptional cuisine and authentic experiences continue to captivate visitors.”

 

Deputy director Chantelle Richardson added: “We are optimistic that this positive trend in visitor arrivals will persist. Our marketing efforts will prioritise enhancing the Anguillan experience by showcasing our vibrant array of cultural events.

 

“We remain committed to welcoming travellers from our established markets in the US, Canada and the UK, while simultaneously exploring new markets to invite potential visitors to experience Anguilla’s unparalleled beauty and hospitality.”

 

Anguilla’s top source market continued to be the US, which accounted for 70% of December arrivals last year – a 14% increase from the previous year.

 

Emerging markets such as Canada and Latin America also showed “notable growth”.