| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 48 |
| Copyright: Other |
Financial boost
Anguilla government to lift tourism spend
Tourism in Anguilla is to receive a financial shot in the arm, thanks to a pledge by new government minister Osborne Fleming to increase expenditure to promote the island.Although the budget has not yet been finalised, it will be considerably more than the amount available in previous years.
Meanwhile, Fleming has appointed Donna Banks as special assistant to the chief minister with responsibility for tourism and public relations.
A new board of tourism has also been confirmed, headed by chairman Clive Carty with six new members from the private sector including Nigel Roydon from Malliouhana Hotel and Lesley Lloyd, from Tyden Air.
However, the new board is unlikely to make dramatic changes to the nature of the island, which has traditionally been marketed as an upmarket resort and beloved of foodies.
A spokeswoman for the Anguilla Tourist Office said:”The new board will not approve the building of fast-food restaurants and high-rise hotels.
UK visitor numbers are increasing at between 10% to 15% each year, as awareness of the island increases.
One of the major hurdles facing Anguilla’s tourism industry is the question of access. Currently most visitors connect to private air charter from Antigua. However, the tourist office would like to see a scheduled link to Anguilla every time an international flight arrives at Antigua. “But I don’t think that is likely to happen, certainly not in the near future,” the spokeswoman added.
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Anguilla
Elegant Resorts: offers seven nights at the CuisinArt Resort and Spa on the southeast coast for £2,375 per person on a bed and breakfast basis for departures between January 1 and March 31. Flights are with British Airways via Antigua.
Abercrombie and Kent: is offering seven nights at the Malliouhana between January 7 and March 31 for £2,260 with BA flights to Antigua and the onto Anguilla by regional airline Liat.