ANGUILLA – Anguilla, the serene island paradise in the Caribbean, known for its tranquility, beauty and famed upscale resorts is developing new initiatives with substantial reasons for incentive and meeting planners to take a closer look at this unspoiled, tropical island getaway.
In dealing with the Caribbean, incentive and meeting planners have grown accustomed to common destinations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. But what industry planners truly value is finding something undiscovered — with qualities that can deliver a special and rich experience for their clients or organization.
Anguilla is a small island with a huge reputation. It is a British overseas territory tucked away in the northern Caribbean, consisting of 35 square miles of magic, history and beauty. Some unique features include 33 pristine, powder-white sand beaches considered to be among the best in the world, exclusive luxury resorts, a gracious and welcoming people, and a plethora of dining and activity options for the discerning traveler.
Its character and relaxing atmosphere make Anguilla the perfect destination for top performers who want to escape rowdy crowds, big cruise ships and loud music. While there is no international airport, we accommodate luxury jet service without congestion. Here too, we choose to celebrate the things we do not have; no commercial harbors, no mass cruise ships.
Anguilla, by design has deliberately shied away from over-development and mass tourism. The island exudes warmth and is genuinely welcoming, small and secluded, it encompasses tranquility at it’s best.
“If you are an incentive or meeting planner searching for a distinctive retreat or incentive program, an Anguillian welcome awaits you. You will discover that Anguilla is the ideal destination offering an exquisite, unparalleled experience for your group,” says Marie Walker, Director of North America, for the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). “The intimacy of the island, our old-fashioned hospitality, and our high levels of service make Anguilla the idyllic setting for small, high-level, executive board or group meetings and top-tier incentive programs.”
An improved Web site (www.anguilla-vacation.com) now offers a meetings and incentives section that provides planners with a downloadable brochure, listings of hotels with group capabilities, sample itineraries, ways to download requests for proposals for Anguillan properties and information on site inspection programs.
Getting to Anguilla is easy. American Eagle has non-stop daily flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico. And the neighboring island of St. Maarten offers another possible route to Anguilla via a seven-minute flight or a twenty-minute ferry from Marigot Bay. Private executive jet charter can also be arranged from San Juan to Anguilla via Anguilla Air Express on Rainbow International Airlines.
Why Anguilla for Incentives and Meetings:
ACCOMMODATIONS — In keeping with its idyllic, understated elegant atmosphere, the island has wisely limited its development to discreet upscale hotels and elegant resorts. This has given Anguilla an enviable reputation for world-class accommodations. The island also offers luxury villas, guest houses, self-catering apartments, and cottages to suit a variety of different tastes and budgets.
EXQUISITE DINING — With some 100 fine dining and local restaurants, Anguilla has become an epicurean’s delight. … thus, making it a breeze to create unique/highly personalized dine around programs for the most discerning planner.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES — Anguilla’s cultural activities, annual events and festivals can enhance any group programs. From its annual music festivals to its traditional boat racing and yacht regatta races to its annual summer festivals, Anguilla stirs the senses and delights visitors from day to night.
LEISURE AND BEST-OF-CLASS AMENITIES — Anguilla offers a plethora of choices to entertain, relax and rejuvenate attendees; including a Greg Norman signature 18-hole golf course, spa and wellness treatments, horseback riding, chic art galleries and evening entertainment.
CUSTOM ARRANGEMENTS — Destination Management Companies can provide: Group itineraries, themed dinners at exquisite private villas, fun in the sea, catamaran cruises, snorkel safaris, and exquisite scuba diving, as well as custom golf, tennis and volleyball tournaments. Event specialists within the resorts or tourist board representatives can further support all these initiatives.
