AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Watch: A strong magnitude 6.1 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean on Sunday morning, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis and beyond, but no injuries or damage have been reported so far. Coastal Concerns: In Nevis, officials noted a noticeable drop in Caribbean Sea water levels along parts of Oualie Beach, sparking online chatter about whether the quake played a role—though regional agencies have not confirmed any tsunami threat or a direct link. Tourism Momentum: While the region keeps an eye on weather and sea conditions, travel demand stories are still rolling in—Sint Maarten and Saint Martin are up sharply year over year, with more seats, new hotels, and a simple “land-and-go” vacation setup. Regional Business: Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace this week, with Anguilla’s tourism team among the arrivals. Access Updates: Oman’s passport has inched up in global rankings, and e-visa options continue to expand for Caribbean travel.

Caribbean Momentum (St. Maarten/St. Martin): Beach bars are packed by lunchtime and planes are roaring overhead—Amadeus data shows Sint Maarten up 18% year over year and Saint Martin up 12%, driven by more seats, new hotel openings, stronger dining, and the ease of using the island as a base. Regional Strategy (CHTA/Amadeus): The Caribbean is shifting into a “new strategic phase” as overseas demand grows only 1% year over year, with Latin America surging (+24% overall; premium South America +117%), pushing destinations to target higher-value travelers and book beyond peak seasons. Local Spotlight (Anguilla Agri Fest): Nevis’ Agriculture Minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026, calling it a strong, well-run showcase of food security and tech-driven farming in a dry climate. Travel Access (Oman): Oman’s passport climbed to 55 in the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free/VOA access to 84 destinations, including e-visa options for Anguilla. Industry Buzz (Four Seasons): Four Seasons unveiled its first 2028 Private Jet Experience itineraries, adding Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice.

Passport Updates: Oman’s passport climbed in the Henley Passport Index (May 2026 rank 55, up from 57 in January), with visa-free/VOA access to 84 destinations including Anguilla via e-visa. Caribbean Momentum: St. Maarten is seeing a big travel lift—Amadeus data shows Sint Maarten up 18% and Saint Martin up 12% year over year—fuelled by more seats, new hotels, stronger dining, and easy “land-and-go” vacation logistics. Regional Tourism Strategy: CHTA and Amadeus say the Caribbean is entering a smarter, higher-value phase as overseas demand grows only 1% year over year, while Latin America demand rises sharply (premium South America up 117%). Local Spotlight: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026, highlighting tech-driven farming in a dry climate. Travel Trade Buzz: Antigua and Barbuda kicked off the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace, welcoming Anguilla’s tourism team.

Passport Boost: Oman’s passport climbed in the Henley Passport Index (May 2026: 55, up from 57 in January), with visa-free/VOA access to 84 destinations—plus e-visa options that include Anguilla. Caribbean Momentum: St. Maarten and St. Martin are seeing strong travel lift, with Amadeus data pointing to year-over-year growth (Sint Maarten +18%, Saint Martin +12%), helped by more seats, new hotels, and an easy “land-and-go” vacation setup. Regional Strategy: Caribbean tourism leaders are pushing a regional logistics and supply-chain push to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, unveiled around the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua. Tourism Insights: New Amadeus/CHTA trends work shows the Caribbean is shifting toward higher-value, year-round demand—while Curaçao stands out for its more balanced luxury-and-economy mix. Anguilla Angle: Anguilla appears in Oman’s e-visa list, and local agri momentum continues to be spotlighted across the region.

St. Maarten momentum: Beach bars on Orient Bay are packed by lunchtime and jets are drawing crowds at Maho as new Amadeus data shows Sint Maarten up 18% year over year and Saint Martin up 12%, driven by more seats, fresh hotel openings, a stronger return to classic beach areas, and a food scene that’s getting louder. Easy island base: The big draw is how simple it is to land and quickly reach beach clubs, marinas, hillside hotels, and waterfront dining—making the destination feel like a ready-made vacation hub. Caribbean strategy shift: Across the region, tourism leaders are pushing for smarter, higher-value growth and better regional supply chains so more tourism dollars stay local. Anguilla tie-in: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 as a standout, tech-forward showcase for food security—another sign that island experiences are expanding beyond beaches.

Caribbean Momentum Check: St. Maarten is surging again—Amadeus data shows Sint Maarten up 18% year over year and Saint Martin up 12%—with more seats, fresh hotel openings, and a stronger food-and-beach scene pulling visitors in fast. Flight Deals: If you’re planning a summer escape, JetBlue’s New York–St. Maarten nonstop fares are popping up around $382 roundtrip for late May/early June travel. Regional Strategy: Caribbean tourism leaders are shifting from “arrivals only” to keeping more tourism dollars local, pitching a regional logistics and supply-chain push to strengthen hotel and restaurant sourcing. Market Signals: Curaçao is being singled out for steadier, year-round demand—its seasonality score is the lowest in the region—while Latin America demand continues to climb. Anguilla Angle: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026, highlighting tech-driven farming in a dry climate—good news for food-security tourism partnerships.

Island Buzz (St. Maarten/St. Martin): Beaches are packed by lunchtime and planes are stacking up—Amadeus data shows Sint Maarten up 18% year over year and Saint Martin up 12%, driven by more seats, fresh hotel openings, and a stronger food scene, plus the simple “land-and-go” setup that keeps the island easy to use as a base. Regional Strategy (Caribbean tourism): At the CHTA/Amadeus Caribbean Travel Trends launch in Antigua, leaders said the region is entering a smarter, higher-value phase as overseas demand grows only 1% year over year—while Latin America is surging (premium travel from South America up sharply). Local Spotlight (Anguilla ties): Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026, calling it an impressive showcase of tech-driven farming in a dry climate. Industry Moves (Luxury travel): Four Seasons unveiled its 2028 Private Jet Experience with redesigned itineraries linking new properties in Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice.

Caribbean Tourism Strategy: Tourism leaders are pushing a regional logistics and supply-chain framework to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, with a new working commission aimed at strengthening regional production for hotels, restaurants, and cruise operators. Premium Travel Momentum: The Caribbean is entering a “new strategic phase” as Latin American demand surges and premium travel reshapes the region, with overseas growth moderating to 1% year over year while South America premium travel jumps sharply. Luxury Travel Upgrade: Four Seasons is rolling out its first 2028 Private Jet Experience itineraries, bringing redesigned journeys back with “Uncharted Discovery” and “New World Icons,” including new stops tied to Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice. Quick Deal Watch: JetBlue is advertising New York–St. Maarten roundtrips for $382 (May 30–June 5), a reminder that summer fares can move fast. Local Angle: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 as a strong, tech-driven showcase for food security.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Tourism leaders are rolling out a new regional logistics and supply-chain plan aimed at keeping more tourism dollars circulating locally, with a working commission unveiled at Antigua’s 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026. Market Shift: The CHTA–Amadeus 2026 Travel Trends Report says overseas demand is growing more slowly, so the region is pivoting to higher-value travelers and year-round booking wins—Latin America is the standout growth engine. Anguilla Angle: Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 is getting praise for smart, tech-enabled farming in a dry climate, reinforcing the island’s food-security push. Travel Deals & Ideas: A JetBlue New York–St. Maarten fare was spotted at $382 for late May/early June, while Four Seasons is expanding its 2028 Private Jet Experience with new Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice connections. Local Note: St Kitts and Nevis is highlighted as one of the safest Caribbean islands in the latest regional safety ranking.

Luxury Jet Travel: Four Seasons is rolling out its first 2028 Private Jet Experience itineraries, bringing back “Uncharted Discovery” and “New World Icons” with new links to Cartagena, Puerto Rico, and Venice—plus dedicated journey teams (concierge, chef, and physician) built around curated, destination-deep experiences. Caribbean Demand Shift: The CHTA and Amadeus 2026 Caribbean Travel Trends Report says overseas growth is cooling (up just 1% year over year), but Latin America—especially premium South American travel—is surging, pushing the region toward smarter targeting and higher-value, year-round booking. Wellness at Sea: Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Guerlain launch “Ocean Rebirth,” a 14-day wellness retreat from Lisbon to Bridgetown in October 2026, focused on nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and sleep. Deal Watch (Nearby): JetBlue has New York–St. Maarten roundtrips for $382 (May 30–June 5), a reminder that summer-ready flight pricing can pop fast. Local Angle: Nevis’ Agri Fest 2026 drew praise for Anguilla’s tech-driven farming and strong produce showing.

Flight Deals: JetBlue is running a New York–St. Maarten roundtrip fare spotted at $382 (May 30–June 5), a rare sub-$400 nonstop into one of the Caribbean’s busiest summer hubs. Tourism Strategy: CHTA and Amadeus say the region is moving into a smarter, higher-value phase as overseas demand growth cools and Latin America—especially premium South America—steps up. Luxury Mix: Curaçao is highlighted for keeping a steadier balance between premium and economy travel, which can help destinations stay resilient. Anguilla Spotlight: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 as impressive and tech-forward for a dry climate, calling it a strong foundation for the event’s future. Regional Buzz: Antigua and Barbuda kicked off the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace with warm delegate welcomes, including Anguilla’s tourism team. What’s Missing: No fresh Anguilla-specific flight or hotel openings beyond the Agri Fest praise in the latest updates.

Medical Milestone: Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, 72, is set to graduate from a Caribbean medical school at the end of May—then start a three-year family medicine residency in west Michigan, turning a lifelong “never say never” dream into a new chapter after a 2020 health scare pushed her to act. Caribbean Social Buzz: Puerto Rico and Jamaica are leading the region’s official destination social media race, but the next growth push may hinge on creators and diaspora storytellers—not just tourism pages. CHTA Marketplace Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out the red carpet for the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15), with Anguilla’s tourism team among the delegates welcomed at VC Bird International Airport. E-visa Access Watch: A fresh look at e-visa options shows more digital entry routes for Indian travellers, while Pakistan’s passport access has slipped to 30 destinations in the latest update. On-Island Updates: Beach Enclave is launching Ámbra Beach Club & Restaurant at Long Bay in Turks & Caicos, adding a new all-day beach dining scene.

Caribbean Social Buzz: Puerto Rico and Jamaica are leading the region’s official destination social media race, but the next growth leap may hinge on creators, cultural voices, and diaspora storytellers turning island identity into global attention. CHTA Marketplace Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out a warm welcome for delegates at the 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15), with tourism officials meeting arrivals at VC Bird International Airport—Anguilla’s Minister of Tourism Cardigan Connor and Director of Tourism Chantelle Richardson were among those greeted. E-Visas for Faster Access: A major travel shift for Indian travellers is pushing more destinations into the e-visa spotlight, including several across the Americas and the Caribbean such as Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, and The Bahamas. Regional Signals for Travel Confidence: Moody’s upgraded The Bahamas’ long-term rating to “Ba3,” moving the outlook to positive—while St Kitts and Nevis was named among the safest Caribbean islands in the 2025–26 safety report.

CHTA Travel Marketplace Kickoff: Antigua and Barbuda has officially rolled out the red-carpet welcome for the 44th annual CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15), with Minister of State Michael Freeland leading delegate arrivals and meet-and-greets at VC Bird International Airport—personally welcoming Anguilla’s Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor and Director of Tourism Chantelle Richardson. E-visa Momentum for Indians: A major travel shift highlights where e-visas are expanding for Indian travellers, with destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas (including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and The Bahamas) leaning into smoother online entry. Passport Updates: Pakistan’s passport ranking slipped in the latest update, with visa-free access down to 30 destinations. Regional Travel Signals: Moody’s upgraded The Bahamas’ long-term rating to Ba3 with a positive outlook, pointing to stronger fiscal performance—while St Kitts and Nevis touts a safety ranking based on 2025–26 travel advisory data. On-Island Lifestyle: Beach Enclave’s Ámbra Beach Club & Restaurant is set to bring a new all-day beach-club vibe to Long Bay.

Tourism Welcome: Antigua and Barbuda is rolling out a big welcome for delegates as it hosts the 44th Annual CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 12–15), with Minister of State Michael Freeland meeting arrivals at V.C. Bird International Airport and personally welcoming Anguilla’s Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor and Director of Tourism Chantelle Richardson. Travel Access Watch: Pakistan’s passport mobility has slipped in the latest May update—down to 30 visa-free destinations and a global ranking of 100—showing how quickly visa rules can swing. Local Safety Spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis is being highlighted as one of the safest Caribbean islands in the 2025–26 safety report, crediting a public-health approach to crime reduction. New Openings Nearby: Beach Enclave has launched Ámbra Beach Club & Restaurant at Long Bay in Turks & Caicos, pitching Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion for all-day beach hangs. Human Interest: A 72-year-old Anguilla-area traveler story is making waves—Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft is set to graduate medical school and start residency after “never say never.”

Medical Milestone: A 72-year-old mom of four, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, is set to graduate from medical school at the end of May—then start a three-year family medicine residency in Michigan, proving “never say never” can still mean “start now.” Caribbean Safety Spotlight: St Kitts and Nevis is ranked among the safest Caribbean islands in the 2025–26 safety report, with leaders pointing to a public-health approach to crime reduction. Long Bay Dining Buzz: Beach Enclave has opened Ámbra Beach Club & Restaurant at Long Bay in Turks & Caicos, pitching Mediterranean cooking with Caribbean ingredients for all-day beach hangs. Luxury Travel Trend: A new luxury-villa push is reshaping summer travel, with more ultra-wealthy guests booking fully serviced private villas for privacy, service, and seamless destination access. Youth & Sustainability: St Kitts and Nevis’ LEAF program is moving forward with youth-led environmental action, including recent school tree-planting.