In 2024, a Hidden Caribbean Island is Shattering Tourism Records

Located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea lies a British Overseas Territory filled with expansive sun-kissed beaches: the Island of Anguilla.

Unknown to many, its popularity has been steadily increasing over the last few years. According to the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), the island is breaking tourism records this year, the same way it did in 2023.

In the first quarter, the country welcomed 62,188 travelers accounting for a 22.2 percent increase when compared to 2023 totals, said ATB officials.

Also, tourists spending at least one night in the destination increased by 15 percent compared to 2023.

These rather positive results have been possible thanks to visitors from key tourism markets such as the United States and Canada.

So far in 2024, 41,399 American tourists have touched down in Anguilla, an increase of 32.7 percent over the same period in 2023. 

For its part, 4,689 Canadians, an increase of  22.4 percent from 2023, have also visited the country this year.

In December 2023, the country broke another record with 19,178 arrivals, an increase of 27.9 percent compared to 14,992 in the same timeframe in 2022. 

But the ambitious government of Anguilla is not fully satisfied with these numbers and wants to scale operations to a whole new level.

To accomplish this, the island’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) is undergoing massive renovations, scheduled to be completed in 2025.

“This administration made a commitment to significantly modernize Anguilla’s infrastructure, for the benefit of both our visitors and importantly, our on-island community,” said Haydn Hughes, Anguilla’s Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing, Utilities and Tourism.

Earlier this year, the country also opened a new ferry terminal at Blowing Point as part of its new marketing strategy.

“The opening of the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal is yet another commitment fulfilled, along with the redesign of the Valley Main Road, the recent upgrades at the airport, and the development of the 20-year airport master plan,” Hughes said.

Anguilla’s economy heavily relies on luxury tourism, offshore banking and lobster fishing.

According to experts, the island’s economic growth heavily depends on foreign investment from countries like the United States, Canada, and some European nations.

Reasons Behind Anguilla’s Tourism Growth

Stacey Liburd, Director of Tourism…