Shannon Kircher, marketing director at Frangipani Beach Resort, outlines what’s new for the property in Anguilla
Q. Has there been much interest in bookings since Anguilla was added to the green list?
A. Anguilla is booming this summer, and it’s been wonderful to see. Summer is traditionally a quieter time on the island, but we have had our busiest summer to date. Part of that is Anguilla being on the green list, but a larger part of it is the government’s loosening of the island’s protocols on July 1. For the most part, when guests arrive on the island they get to enjoy their Anguilla experience to the fullest in a very normal way.
Q. What key booking trends are you noticing?
A. One of the biggest changes is the length of stay. The average visitor to Anguilla stays roughly a week, but we’ve seen visitors this year stay two to three weeks, and some far longer. We’ve also seen an uptick in people working remotely, so having space for this and the Wi-Fi capacity is a huge plus.
“As of July 1, all visitors to the island must be fully vaccinated”
People are more appreciative of socially distanced spaces than they were previously and we’re fortunate that our island lends itself to that naturally, with wide-open beaches, alfresco dining and outdoor activities.
Q. What Covid protocols can visitors expect in Anguilla?
A. The island’s protocols have shifted in recent months as the vaccine rollout among the local population has increased. As of July 1, all visitors to the island must be fully vaccinated. They also need to apply to visit via ivisitanguilla.com and take a PCR test three to five days before arrival.
We’ll be entering the final phase of the government’s Covid Exit Strategy on October 1, when the application and testing requirements are removed.
Q. What sets Anguilla apart from other Caribbean islands?
A. Anguilla blends a barefoot vintage Caribbean vibe with a glam edge. We have the best beaches in the Caribbean, some of the region’s best restaurants, an amazing live music scene and beautiful hotels and resorts. But it’s the people and the island’s warmth that keeps them returning. Anguilla is an incredibly safe island, and much of it has remained unchanged for decades.
Q. What Covid safety measures did the Frangipani Beach Resort introduce?
A. When we reopened last November, we made our communications more touch-free. We introduced online check-in and launched an app. All staff members went through temperature checks, and masks were mandatory. Our facilities remained open, but we operated our fitness centre with a limited number of guests and offered our boat on a charter-only basis.
“We’ve found that our audience has remained largely the same throughout the pandemic”
However, all of our front-facing staff, and visitors, are now vaccinated, so our protocols have relaxed. We’re delighted to be offering in-person check-in again, for example.
Q. Have you noticed a shift in the type of travellers staying at the resort during the pandemic?
A. Our guests are largely seasoned travellers who seek immersive experiences and a more laid-back approach to luxury. We have major resort amenities and a stunning beachfront locale, but we’re small enough to get to know our guests personally, which is key for us.
We have a huge number of repeat guests, but we also have a number of visitors celebrating special occasions, and we’ve found that our audience has remained largely the same throughout the pandemic.
Q. You’re also a luxury travel advisor in the US. What tips do you have for other agents selling Anguilla and the rest of the Caribbean?
A. Book early! With travel coming back, the region is seeing a big uptick given the ease of access from the US, the Covid-free status and the general lifestyle visitors will find here, so encourage customers to book ahead to ensure they don’t miss out.
Top Tip
American Airlines is launching a direct flight from Miami to Anguilla on December 11, adding an extra route for Brits. Currently Anguilla is accessed on services with British Airways (Gatwick and Heathrow) or Virgin Atlantic (Heathrow) to Antigua. From there, travellers take a short inter-island flight to Anguilla.
PICTURES: KSharp Media
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