Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5828/-1/140/
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AHTA Holds Annual Meeting
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“Innovation and Economic Development: The Anguilla Experiment” - Dr Aidan Harrigan, PS EDICT, Government of Anguilla was warmly received as keynote speaker for the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association (AHTA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Frangipani Beach Resort on Thursday 10th April 2008.
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L-R: Trudy Nixon, Delroy Lake and Dr. Aidan Harrigan
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Over 70 members of the AHTA alongside invited guests from Government gathered at Frangipani Beach Resort on Thursday to hear Dr Aidan Harrigans Speech present the keynote speech, the AHTA Presidents Report of Activities for the financial year 2007 –2008, and to enjoy a cocktail at the beautiful Frangipani Grill courtesy of reception sponsors Diamonds International.
In Dr Harrigan’s speech he outlined the approach the Government of Anguilla has taken towards economic development and tourism policy over recent years. He referenced the 1978 tourism policy document, which outline a ‘high value low volume’ approach, which has ‘served us well’. He discussed the opportunities and threats posed by the current level of development and was able to tell the interested audience about the recently commissioned “Economic Social Impact Analysis of the Tourism Projects approved since 2002 and a Tourism Master Plan Study to cover the period to 2020 to provide guidance and direction to the future development of the tourism industry in Anguilla” and in conclusion he said “It therefore makes better sense to focus on the “yield” from tourism, something which to date Anguilla has been successful at with the focus on low volume – high value, luxury upscale tourism. It also makes sense to diversify the economy which would in turn lessen the pressure on tourism to deliver all the development objectives”.
Mr Delroy Lake, General Manager of KU and Treasurer of the AHTA – read extracts from the President ‘s Report in Sherille Hughes unavoidable absence – he reported “the financial year 2007 - 2008 has been a period of rapid growth for the AHTA. Membership of the Association has grown significantly and we have had greater financial support from our membership…our profile has been high, our events well attended and the membership on the whole is engaged and committed.” Mr Lake referred members to the Presidents Report of 2008 for the full list of AHTA achievements and activities for 2007-2008.
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A section of the attendees at the meeting
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Trudy Nixon, the Executive Director of the AHTA continued with a few words on plans for 2008 – 2009 urging members to get involved and provide information and support when requested – in order that the AHTA could give them better representation. She indicated that the AHTA would be doing a strategic planning exercise to ensure they met the member’s needs going forward. She then chaired the elections for new positions on the AHTA BOD. Three directors retired from a 3-year period of service: Sherille Hughes - Paradise Cove, Mark Romney – Cable and Wireless and Iain McCormack – Cap Juluca. The Following Candidates were nominated for Election: Sherille Hughes, Avon Carty, Jeff David and Wilbert Fleming. There was a membership ballot and the 3 offers elected to serve on the ATHA BOD for 3 years were: Avon Carty – Cable and Wireless, Wilbert Fleming – Anguilla Great House and Sherille Hughes – Paradise Cove.
The proceedings continued with a brief presentation from sponsors Diamonds International and in conclusion Gilda Gumbs Samuels, Membership and Events Manager presented an incentive prize giveaway to the first members in each category to pay their annual membership dues for 2008-2009 – Villa View Fort (Villa), Keen Enterprises (Allied) and Frangipani (Accommodation).
Finally, the guests gathered on the beautiful seaside terrace at Frangipani Resort and enjoyed cocktails and hor’s oeuvres courtesy of Diamonds International.
The AHTA would like to sincerely thank the following for their support of the AGM: Diamonds International for sponsoring the cocktail reception, The management and Staff of Frangipani for providing the wonderful venue and set up; The Anguilla Tourist Board, Anguilla Home and Gardens and Anguilla Rums for providing prize giveaways and Cap Juluca, Cuisinart, and Black Orchid for event support.
Continued thanks to the membership for their un-wavering support and commitment to the AHTA
- Press Release