The Anguilla Government’s decision to promote tourism as the engine of the island’s economic growth is paying dividends. This is according to Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Osbourne Fleming. He made the assertion on Monday this week while delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony for Tourism Week and the presentation of awards. This year is a special one in that it marks 25 years since Anguilla embarked on up-market tourism as a means of sustaining national development.

Mr. Fleming told a dense crowd on the grounds of the Tourist Board building that direct and indirect tourism business was generating significant revenue for Government. As examples, he cited Accommodation Tax which in 2002 yielded $8.2 million and Embarkation Tax which in the same year generated $2.1 million. He pointed out that at the end of September this year those figures had already been surpassed. He further stated that tourism and other related activities accounted for over 30% of the island’s gross domestic product; that 60% of the workforce in Anguilla was employed in the travel and tourism sector and that in many of the establishments belongers of Anguilla made up almost the total workforce.

“Our success today would not have been possible without the vision and labours of our past leaders and public servants,” Mr. Fleming said. “To them we owe a great debt of gratitude for the sacrifices made and their to the dream of building a new Anguilla.”
He stated that public sector initiatives had been complimented by private sector developments and that without the private sector, the tourism achievements would not be at the present scale. He paid tribute to the early pioneers of the industry, mentioning the names of the late David and Vida Lloyd, Jeremiah Gumbs and his late wife, Lydia. “Their vision and enthusiasm were an inspiration for all of us to exploit the advantages Anguilla possesses for travel and leisure,” Mr. Fleming observed.
“Those early pioneers were succeeded by the modern investors,” he continued. “Considerable sums have been invested in plant and landscaping making Meads Bay, Cove Bay, Maundays Bay and many bays little oases in Anguilla. You chose Anguilla over other potential investment jurisdictions. We thank you for your confidence in us and your commitment to providing the best Anguilla can offer.

“The best of Anguilla is its people – our human capital. A celebration of twenty-five years of organised tourism is also a celebration of the talents, skills and genius of the Anguillian people and our indomitable spirit to survive even in the face of disasters and hardships. Anguillian expertise and skills were used to build the tourism plant across the island. Anguillian chefs, waiters, bartenders, maids, office professionals, managers, taxi-drivers and others in the private and public sectors provide the service which is the heart of tourism. Anguillians have given their best and must take credit for the name Anguilla has in international tourism.”

Mr. Fleming appealed to all public and private sector workers in the front line of service to visitors to think about quality. “The entire island must mirror the high quality and up-market image we advertise…We are competing in the most international of all industries and we must be grateful that visitors made Anguilla their choice.”
The Chief Minister added that the upgrading of Wallblake Airport before the 2004 winter season, and the 18-hole Greg Norman Championship Golf Course and hotel which should be completed before 2006, would significantly improve the island’s tourism industry.

Earlier in the ceremony, Chairman of the Tourist Board, John Benjamin, said there was much to give thanks for in terms of the success of the tourist industry and the direction in which it was heading. He noted, however, that there was still a lot of work to be done. “Until we get all of Anguilla looking liked a beautiful garden, the very best of Anguilla is yet to come; until every man in the street understands the importance of tourism to our welfare; until we develop our human resources to take all the advantages that tourism can bring to our people, the very best of Anguilla is still to come.”

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