April is National Consultation Month

April has been designated as the National Consultation Month by the Tourism Policy Committee of the Government of Anguilla. In this regard, a number of meetings have been scheduled with various Church Groups, Service Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations to present the policy and entertain comments and suggestions on the existing document.

According to Director of Tourism, Mrs Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, the consultative process is an integral feature of the development process when taken within the context of sustainability in tourism. Since sustainability depends on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, it is very important that the voice of the community be heard within the policy document.

In order to facilitate the consultation process, the Policy Committee has been grouped into three teams: Team One, led by Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, Director of Tourism, includes Mimi Gratton of the AHTA, Vincent Proctor of the Planning Department, and Courtney Devonish of the Chamber of Commerce; Team Two, led by Donna Banks, Special Assistant for Tourism includes Carmencita Davis of the Labour Department, Roland Hodge of Fisheries, and Ken Banks of the Ministry of Infrastructure; and Team Three, headed by Mr Clive Carty, Chairman of the Tourist Board, includes Marcel Fahie of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, and Ijahnya Christian, Executive Director of the National Trust.

In addition to the group Consultation meetings, the various teams will also be going on the island�s radio stations to discuss the policy and give members of the public the opportunity to call in with their comments on the document. Previous public awareness initiatives include distributing copies of the document to various organizations for discussion within their group meetings, and the publication of the entire document over a period of time in the Anguillian newspaper.

Upon completion of the consultation process, the draft document will be submitted to the Legal Draft Person in the attorney general�s chambers, Mrs Nadarajah, to be put into the final draft form. After this, the revised Final draft will be submitted to the House of Assembly as a Bill,where it will receive two readings and then pass into Law.

The Draft Tourism Policy for Anguilla was prepared in 1999 by John Yacoumis, special advisor to CTO in the area of Tourism Planning and Development under a program of funding from the European Union.

It seeks to provide clear guidelines for nationals, investors, and other industry stakeholders on matters relating to the planning, development and management of Anguilla�s tourism industry.

  

March2002

WHAT'S INSIDE...

April is National
Consultation Month

ATB Attends SMART Tradeshow in St Maarten

African-American Divas
Visit Anguilla

 

On the Ball with�.

Anguilla Summer Festival

 

Miss Leeward Islands
Talented Teen Pageant

 

Spotlight on�

Hello Tourist Program

 

Recipe of the Month

 

On the Rep Site

 

Calender of Events

NEWS IN BRIEF

Professor Bonita Klemn is currently on island to conduct the second phase of the Certificate in Child Care Practices offered as a Distance Learning Program by SUNY Cobleskill. 12 students will be participating in the two week program, which will focus on Children�s Literature. The program is sponsored by the Government of Anguilla and SUNY, with transportation assistance from the ATB.

 

ATB Attends SMART Trade-Show in SXM

The Anguilla Tourist Board will be participating in the first St Maarten/St Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) to be held from April 25 �27, 2002 at Maho Beach Resort & Casino. The 2-day event will provide the opportunity to showcase the alluring Islands of the North Eastern Caribbean, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, St Barthelemy, St Eustatius, St. Kitts & Nevis and St Maarten/St Martin.

International buyers from the islands� major markets are expected to be on hand to network and negotiate future business opportunities with suppliers in the tourism industry. A key feature of the event is the pre-scheduling of appointments between buyer and supplier which helps to maximize the business potential of the Tradeshow.

Another important element will be the opportunity for the various islands to make 10-minute destination presentations on the last day of the event to approximately 150 members of the travel trade who are expected to be in attendance.

Anguilla�s representative will be Mrs Candis Niles, Deputy Director of Tourism, who sees this tradeshow as an excellent opportunity to revisit existing relationships and explore emergent opportunities in a dynamic industry. Anguilla will also benefit from participation in the pre- and post- tours available to travel agents attending SMART, through the kind cooperation and support of two hotels, Carimar Beach Club and La Sirena Hotel.

African-American Divas Visit Anguilla

A group of 27 African-American professionals visited the island from April 4th to 8th as part of a unique vacation experience, combining leisure, relaxation, sharing and growing within the tranquil environment of Anguilla. The trip was organized by Ms Valerie Norman-Gammon of Amethyst Entertainment, Inc. with accommodations at Cap Juluca Hotel, transportation compliments the ATB, and meals at some of Anguilla�s fine restaurants.

Ms Gammon previously visited the island in March 2001 as organizer of the one-day visit for the �Women at the Top� conference. Since that initial visit a number of the delegates have returned to the island on vacation, and the recent National Bar Association day on Anguilla also resulted from that visit. A wedding and honeymoon are also being planned for later this summer. The African-American market is regarded as highly lucrative and viable for Anguilla�s tourism product, and the ATB is committed to pursuing initiatives in this niche market as part of its promotional efforts.

On the Ball with�

Anguilla Summer Festival 2002

The National Carnival Committee is pleased to announce that plans are now underway for the hosting of the 2002 Summer Festival celebrations, slated for August 1 � 10, 2002.

According to Mr Fitzroy Tomlinson, Festivals Coordinator with the ATB, the Committee is ready to take this year�s Festival to another level following its very productive Retreat held in March 2002. One of the first steps to be taken has been the selection of a slogan to cover the activities for the season. The slogan Fun, Fantasy and Culture, Too, Anguilla�s Summer Festival 2002 was selected from a field of 62 entrants, and is a combined effort submitted by Khalidah Richardson of West End and Meesha Richardson of North Side . The slogan conveys the sentiment that this year�s festivities will offer fun in galore for our revellers, while at the same time highlighting our culture and traditions in creative and innovative ways that appeal to our imagination. The slogan will be featured on all promotional audiovisual and print material pertaining to this year�s festivities. Meesha and Khalidah will share the prize of EC$1000.00 for their winning entries.

Miss Leeward Islands Teen Pageant

The Talented Teen Committee is currently finalizing plans for the hosting of the 3rd annual Miss Leeward Islands Teen Pageant on May 25th, 2002. Some 8 contestants from St Thomas, St Croix, Antigua, BVI, St Kitts and Nevis, St Martin, St Maarten and Statia are expected to arrive in Anguilla on May 23rd, where they will join Ms Teen Anguilla, Rolanda Webster, and reigning Miss Leeward Islands, Amber Woodley of Anguilla at Elodias Resort, the home of the Pageant. The young ladies will engage in a number of official functions leading up to the Show, including an official Welcome Cocktail reception sponsored by the Anguilla Lottery and a number of courtesy calls on Government officials, the Anguilla Tourist Board, and Sponsors of the event. According to Mr Carl Woodley, Chairperson of the Talented Teen Committee, the Show promises to be an electrifying one with sterling performances expected from the participants, and a dynamic line up of entertainers including the All-ah-We Young Theatre Players, performances from the reigning Ms Leeward Islands and Mr & Ms Valentine 2002, and an appearance by the contestants of the 2002 CCB Miss Talented Teen Show. There will also be an after-show dance at Dragon�s Disco. MC for the evening�s proceedings will be Sugar Bowl Kid of ZIZ radio, while music for the event will be provided by the Extreme Band. The admission is US$10.00, (US$5.00 for children) with proceeds from the show going towards Anguilla�s participation in the Hal Jackson show to be held in July.

Spotlight On�

Hello Tourist

The Hello Tourist program is progressing nicely, with visits to the classrooms by Hoteliers of their sponsor hotel. The students have also submitted information on their Projects, which are expected to be completed by June 2002. Shops in the various Communities have also shown their Support in donating Cameras or Film to the Hello Tourist classes. Following are the details relating to 6 classes in the program.

School: Stoney Ground Primary

Class Teacher: Margaret Browne

Sponsor Hotel: Sirena Hotel

Project 1: A collage of Sirena Hotel, including a big picture and several advertisements about the Hotel.

Project 2: A display of all the Chief Ministers of Anguilla.

Camera/ Film Sponsored by: Caracasbaai Supermarket.

School: Road Primary

Class Teacher: Macelle Maison

Sponsoring Hotel: Frangipani Beach Club

Project 1: Clean Sandy Ground Beach and Back Street.

Project 2: Plant flowers by South Hill Clinic and around Road School.

Film/ Camera Sponsored by: Anguilla Gases Ltd.

School: Road Primary

Class Teacher: Tr Laverne Alonzo

Sponsor Hotel: Cuisinart Resort and Spa

Project 1: Construct a model of the Hotel.

Project 2: Making flowers

Camera/ Film Sponsored by: Romcan Supermarket

School: Valley Primary

Class Teachers: Michael Skellekie and Randolph Mercurius

Sponsor Hotels: Cap Juluca and Rendezvous Bay Hotel

Project 1: Cultivation of a Flower Garden in the centre of the school yard; preparation and erection of a Welcome sign displaying the school Motto; cultivation of plants in front of Block 5 � Head Teacher�s Office

Project 2: Fundraising ventures.

Camera/ Film Sponsored by: Tackle Box & Anguilla Drugstore.

(The remaining schools will be featured in the upcoming issue)

Recipe of the Month

Ingredients

1 lb fresh Caribbean pumpkin, peeled and diced

1 small white potato peeled and diced

1/2 small onion chopped

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick

1/4 cup fresh coconut milk (optional)

1 clove garlic, chopped

1/2 teaspoon chicken base (optional)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 cup water

Dash of salt and white ground pepper to taste

METHOD

Heat pot, add butter and all ingredients except the coconut milk. Simmer for 3 minutes until lightly golden brown. Add water slowly. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until pumpkin is fully cooked. Add coconut milk 5 minutes before removing from stove. Lightly blend until smooth and creamy. Serves two.

Bon appetit!!!!

 


Recipe of The Month

Our Recipe of the Month comes from Oliver�s Seaside Grill where mouthwatering delicacies, are skillfully prepared by home-grown culinary artist, �Chef� Leon Carty of South Hill. �Chef� and his wife, Jane, joined Oliver�s in 1999, having previously worked at Arlo�s Restaurant. Before that he worked at Cap Juluca and Johnno�s Restaurant. He attributes his success as a chef to hard work, an open mind and �willingness to try something new.�

On the Rep Site

United States

Ms Candyce Stapen, a VIP travel writer from the East Coast, USA, will be on island from April 12th to 16th, 2002. Ms Stapen writes for www.expedia.com, Washington times, Physicians travel & Meeting, and Family Travel Network. During her visit to Anguilla she will be hosted by Malliouhana Hotel & Spa, and will be visiting a number of locations on the island to obtain material for her story which will feature the island as an eco-destination. Ms Stapen�s visit is being coordinated by Anguilla�s Public Relations Representatives, Keating & Associates, as part of their initiatives to maintain the island�s presence in the media.

Meanwhile reports from KV and Associates indicate that the Great Bridal Expo attended by Ms Kas Vaughn and Ms Ernie Hodge, ATB�s Marketing and Research Officer, was very successful.

The Expo took place on March 15th, 2002 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, with over 700 couples visiting the Stand. According to Ms Hodge, Anguilla benefited greatly from their strategic location, which made the booth visible from all angles, and the positive word of mouth marketing prompted by the raffle of a Honeymoon stay offered by Rendezvous Bay Hotel and Villas. Feedback from KV & Associates indicated that most wedding dates were planned for 2003-2005/2006; that 8 out of 10 brides were planning resort honeymoons with an average length of stay of 10 days; that most visitors to the stand were in the age range 30 � 40 years, with annual income ranging from $70,000 � $120,000.

Italy

ATB Italy in association with St. Martin�s Europe office and Air France will be coordinating the visit of Carlo Piccinelli, journalist with Nautica, a monthly magazine specializing in sailing and nautical leisure, sports and travel, with a circulation of 51, 000 high-income readers. The article, which will come out in Summer 2002, will feature Boatracing and Carnival on Anguilla. Mr Piccinelli who, was originally scheduled to be on island for three days in April will now visit the island in May to cover the round-the-island Boatrace for Anguilla Day.

Germany

The ATB Germany office recently participated in the 2002 edition of ITB, which took place in Berlin from March 16th to 20th, 2002. Attending from Anguilla were Director of Tourism, Mrs Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch and Chairman, Mr Clive Carty. Private sector delegates included representatives of Cuisinart Resort and Spa, Sonesta Beach Resort, Malliouhana Hotel & Spa, Arawak Beach Inn, and Bits & Bites.

According to Director of Tourism, Mrs Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, although the attendance level of both trade and consumer appeared to be greatly reduced this year compared to previous years, the interest level of persons who visited the stand was high. The new romance and honeymoon brochure was well received by stand visitors, and also caught the eyes of the other island representatives.

United Kingdom

Mr and Mrs Majczak have been declared the winners of the Paradise Week raffle sponsored by Caribtours of the UK. According to Ms Carolyn Brown, Anguilla�s UK representative, Anguilla received extensive publicity in the UK market with the airing of the video shot on the island by Granada TV for the � This Morning� daily show. The video, which aired to an audience of 1.2 million on March 18, 2002,

featured Anguilla in a 5 minute slot along with the islands of St Lucia, Cayman Islands, Mauritius and Seychelles. Viewers were given the opportunity to win a prize of a week�s accommodation at Malliouhana Hotel & Spa in conjunction with Carib Tours and ATB-UK. The program was extremely well received with over 82,000 responses recorded for the Anguilla competition by the end of the month.

 

Calendar of Events

April

April 1-30 - Frangipani Beach Club Arts & Jazz Exhibition

 

April 25-27 - SMART Tradeshow in St. Maarten

 

April 24-26 - CHA Investment Conference

May

May 1 - Labour Day Holiday

 

May 1-30 - Anguilla Day Month of Activities

 

May 8-10 - AA Traavel Exchange

 

May 25 - Miss Leeward Islands Tal ented Teen Show

 

May 28-31 - CTO Caribbean Week

 

May 30-31 - Anguilla Day Celebrations

 

 

Stat Facts

SUMMARY:FEBRUARY 2002

Visitor arrivals, which include Excursionists and Tourist arrivals fell by 3.6% for February 2002. Arrivals recorded were 8,462 compared to 8,776 in 2001. Tourist arrivals contributed to the decline more than excursionists. Tourist arrivals, which make up a larger contribution to the economy for February were 4,664 compared to 5,552 in 2001, resulting in a 16% decline. However they were 5.6% higher than in 2000 when 4,414 tourist arrivals were recorded.

Excursionist arrivals to Anguilla for February had a significant increase of 17.5% when compared to 2001. Arrivals recorded were 3,798 compared to 3,224 in 2001. Blowing Point saw a total of 3,705 excursionists for February, a major increase of 17% when compared to the same period in 2001, whilst Air arrivals were a total of 93 for the period reported compared to 53 in 2001.

(Excerpted from Dept. of Statistics Report, February 2002)