Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/7709/-1/140/
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Banks Encourages Hope In Anguilla's Tourism Industry
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There are profound messages of hope that fit well with the theme “Endurance and Opportunity in Challenging Times,” for the current observance of Tourism Week, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Victor Banks, said in a radio broadcast.
“In Anguilla we have a large undertaking so as to withstand the effects of the world-wide economic and financial situation and its impact on us as a destination,” he stated.
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Hon. Victor Banks
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“It is a real situation over which our tiny island has little if any control at all. But as an economy which sells services to the rest of the world we must be hopeful that those countries which are our customers will fare better in the future. If they so not survive, neither can we. We have little choice but to look to tomorrow with hope.”
Mr. Banks was of the opinion that there were many matters which Anguilla should be thankful about. He listed some of them during the year as follows: the new ownership of Cap Juluca was able to invest over 25 million US dollars in renovations and improvements, resulting in the property once again being rated among the top hotels in the Caribbean; the Viceroy Hotel & Resort is to be officially opened on December 15 and will be the only accommodation project opening in the Caribbean this year; Cap Juluca’s arrangement to open the Temenos Golf Course for the season on December 19; a number of credible investors have expressed an interest in addressing issues related to the Flag project; a number of projects previously on hold due to the global financial situation, are receiving encouraging proposals for implementation; the Anguilla Government had successfully implemented the Anguilla Community College which is addressing the training of persons in hospitality and arrangements had been made for a permanent home for the institution; advanced bookings for the 2009/2010 tourist season had shown improvements over last year; and there was now renewed interest in real estate sales on the island.
Mr. Banks said there were a number of concerns affecting the tourism industry. “Access still remains a major drawback to visitors hoping to come to or destination,” he continued. “The St. Maarten hub has grown in importance as the number of flights from San Juan decreases and direct flights to St. Maarten by a variety of carriers increase.
“The smoothness of the transition to air and sea-based carriers connecting to Anguilla is an undertaking which requires negotiations on several levels and fronts, with stakeholders in St. Maarten and Anguilla. There are benefits to both islands in this process, but it remains an area which requires focused attention. Government has again initiated discussions with St. Maarten officials to revisit their situation and have been engaging local operators in this process as well.
“The restarting of the Temenos Resort and Golf Club has been another major challenge for the Government of Anguilla. After many attempts to assist the principals in finding a solution, Government must now choose other options in an effort to find a solution which is in the best interests of the people of Anguilla. It is conceivable that the nuclear option of compulsory acquisition will be seriously pursued and in fact preparations for such an eventuality are already taking place. That approach of course requires a thorough assessment of the issues involved including the price and any legal responses to actions which can ensue.
“This is the situation in which we must at this time as a nation venture forward. And with an attitude consistent with this year’s theme ‘Endurance and Opportunity in Challenging Times,’ we will be able to surmount the many hurdles which imperil our path to success.”