AGP Executive Report

Beach Spotlight: Shoal Bay East in Anguilla has been named the Caribbean’s top beach for 2026, ranking No. 6 worldwide in The World’s 50 Best Beaches list, with judges praising its powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and a serene feel despite popularity. Air Access: Trans Anguilla Airways is now live on Global Distribution Systems, making it easier for travel advisors and travelers to search and book inter-island flights across the Eastern Caribbean. Luxury Cruise Bookings: Aman at Sea opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), with 5–8 night itineraries across the Leeward, Windward, and Dutch Caribbean, including a beach day at Prickly Pear Cay off Anguilla. Regional Travel Boost: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to strengthen tourism and logistics, with Anguilla listed among its network. On-Island Community: St. Kitts & Nevis Port Health Unit received a Scherber First Responder Backpack donated by Anguilla Trading and Development Company to upgrade emergency response at the airport.

GDS Booking Boost for Anguilla Flights: Trans Anguilla Airways is now live on Global Distribution Systems, making it easier for travel agents and travelers to search and book inter-island flights across the Eastern Caribbean. Caribbean Beach Spotlight: Shoal Bay East in Anguilla has been named the No. 1 beach in the Caribbean for 2026, praised for powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and a quiet, serene feel. Luxury Recognition for Anguilla: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman earned inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown Awards, underlining Anguilla’s growing global luxury profile. Regional Air Cargo Update: Executive Air launched a new regional cargo service at St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport, aiming to strengthen tourism logistics and exports across the network that includes Anguilla. Sports Tourism in the Leeward Islands: St. Eustatius hosted the Alliance – Hoops & Heritage FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest 2026, with teams from across the region including Anguilla. Travel Talk: A Caribbean couples-travel report flags St. Maarten as the fastest-rising couples destination, reflecting the romance-and-wellness trend shaping Caribbean itineraries.

Best Beach Spotlight: A new “World’s Best Beaches” report crowns Anguilla’s Shoal Bay East as the No. 1 beach in the Caribbean for 2026, praising its powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, easy swimming and snorkeling, and a surprisingly quiet feel despite popularity. Luxury Hotel Recognition: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman are among the first Caribbean/Mexico properties to earn Condé Nast Traveller’s inaugural Triple Crown—Hot List, Gold List, and Readers’ Choice. Travel Inspiration (Food): A vacation note from Anguilla highlights breakfast ideas like avo crusti, steak and eggs, chia pudding with coconut milk and mango, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, and Johnny cakes. Regional Travel Trends: A Caribbean Travel Trends Report (CHTA and Amadeus) names St. Maarten the fastest-rising couples destination, with duo-trips making up 40.4% of Caribbean arrivals. Safety & Health Support: Anguilla Trading and Development Company donates a Scherber First Responder Backpack to St. Kitts and Nevis’ Port Health Unit at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport to boost emergency response. Wildlife Crime Watch: A look at eel smuggling describes a major organized-crime trade that’s devastated European eel populations and threatens the critically endangered species.

Luxury Recognition: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla have earned inaugural Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown status—meaning they hit Hot List, Gold List, and Readers’ Choice in the same year—boosting Anguilla’s profile for high-end stays. Regional Sports Tourism: Anguilla teams were among those traveling to St. Eustatius for the Alliance – Hoops & Heritage FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest 2026 (June 13–14), blending basketball, culture, and heritage to draw visitors across the Eastern Caribbean. Travel Safety & Health: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport Port Health Unit received a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack donated by Anguilla Trading and Development Company (TDC), strengthening emergency response gear at the airport. Travel Planning Trends: Hilton Honors is rolling out clearer, more predictable upgrade perks for top members, including confirmable upgrade rewards at booking and upgrade options shown during digital check-in. Travel Advice: With more people booking online, travel specialists are being positioned as a safety net for expertise and emergencies—especially when they’re properly certified.

Couples Travel Boom in the Caribbean: A new Caribbean Travel Trends Report from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and Amadeus says St. Maarten is the region’s fastest-rising destination for two-person getaways, with an 8% year-over-year increase through spring and duo-trips making up 40.4% of Caribbean arrivals. Airport Health Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport Port Health Unit received a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack donated by Anguilla Trading and Development Company (TDC Group), aimed at strengthening emergency response with EMT/EMS, trauma and oxygen supplies. Global Travel Costs Watch: A Squaremouth study highlights the world’s most expensive destinations for 2026, noting totals can rise from remoteness, visa and tourist fees, and inflation—not just luxury hotels. Wildlife Crime Alert: Europol-linked reporting describes organized eel smuggling as a major wildlife crime, with huge volumes moved from Europe to Asian markets and populations sharply declining. Travel Perks Update: Hilton Honors is changing upgrades with “Confirmable Upgrade Rewards” for top members and clearer upgrade options during digital check-in. Planning Help: Travel specialists/advisors are being positioned as a safety net for expertise and emergencies, with ASTA certification recommended.

Airport Health & Safety: Anguilla Trading and Development Company (TDC) donated a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport Port Health Unit in St. Kitts and Nevis, boosting emergency response with EMT/EMS, trauma and oxygen supplies plus 250+ first-aid items. Luxury Travel Trends: Hilton Honors is rolling out clearer, member-friendly upgrades—confirmable suite upgrades for top tiers at booking and upgrade options shown during digital check-in. Travel Planning Help: A new look at travel advisors highlights how specialists can act as an advocate in emergencies, with guidance on choosing credentialed, ethical advisors. Ultra-Luxury Villas: Lacure’s founders discuss how “white glove” luxury is built on local expertise and behind-the-scenes logistics, from private charters to hard-to-get reservations. Wildlife Crime Watch: A report spotlights the organized smuggling of European eels—described as a major wildlife crime—driven by high demand and collapsing eel populations.

Airport Health & Safety: Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport’s Port Health Unit received a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack, donated by Anguilla Trading and Development Company (TDC Group), to boost emergency response with EMT/EMS, trauma and oxygen supplies plus 250+ first-aid items. Travel Planning Help: A new wave of travel advisors is positioning itself as a “safety net” for travelers—offering specialist expertise and hands-on support when plans go wrong, with guidance on how to vet credentials and fees. Caribbean Off-Peak Ideas: With Caribbean visitor numbers hitting record levels, one travel guide urges readers to skip the busiest spots and explore lesser-known islands and local-led experiences for a calmer, more authentic trip. Luxury Villas & White-Glove Service: Luxury villa company Lacure highlights how “unseen” logistics—like reservations and yacht-ready planning—are shaping ultra-luxury stays, with founders pointing to local expertise as the differentiator.

Regional Air Access: BermudAir is set to expand winter connectivity for Turks and Caicos, with a new direct Toronto Pearson–Providenciales service starting Dec 19 (weekly Saturdays from May 1, 2027), and the route is also described as extending onward to Anguilla—good news for Canadian visitors planning multi-island Caribbean trips. Hotel Perks Upgrade: Hilton Honors is rolling out Confirmable Upgrade Rewards for top members (guaranteed upgrades up to a one-bedroom suite at booking for stays up to seven nights) plus Upgrade at Digital Check-In so Gold/Diamond members can see upgrade options in the app. Travel Planning Help: A guide to hiring travel advisors highlights why specialists can be worth it—especially for expertise and when things go wrong—and suggests checking for ASTA certification and asking how advisors are paid. Luxury Villas: Lacure’s founders discuss how ultra-luxury villa travel is evolving around privacy, personalization, and local expertise—selling the “service you never have to think about.” Caribbean Off-Peak Ideas: A travel piece urges skipping the busiest stops and exploring lesser-known islands and experiences beyond the beach.

Wildlife Crime: A new report spotlights European eel smuggling as a major organized-crime trade, with Europol estimating about 100 metric tons of live juvenile eels moved yearly and prices rivaling hard drugs—while eel populations have crashed by 95% since the 1980s. Hotel Upgrades: Hilton Honors is rolling out confirmable upgrade rewards for top members (guaranteed upgrades up to a one-bedroom suite at booking) plus upgrade options visible during digital check-in. Travel Planning Help: A guide for travelers weighs the value of using travel advisors/specialists—especially for expertise and when things go wrong—and notes how to vet credentials and fees. Luxury Villas: Lacure founders discuss how ultra-luxury villa travel is evolving around privacy, personalization, and “white glove” local expertise. Caribbean Off-Peak Ideas: Travel writers share ways to skip crowds by choosing lesser-known islands and experiences beyond the usual beach stops. Regional Air Access: BermudAir plans new direct Toronto–Turks and Caicos service (starting Dec 19, weekly Saturdays in the 2026-27 winter season), with onward connectivity that also points to Anguilla.

Anguilla Summer Push: The Anguilla Tourist Board has launched its 2026 Summer Campaign, “Anguilla: Taste. Feel. Live.”, rolling out the Xcape App to boost visitor engagement and help position the island as a year-round destination, spotlighting local food, culture, festivals, boat racing, and heritage experiences beyond the beaches and luxury stays. New Air Access for the Region: BermudAir is expanding winter routes, including nonstop service from Boston’s Logan to Anguilla starting Dec. 18, 2026 (plus Turks and Caicos and Belize), and it also plans Toronto-to-Turks and Caicos service from Dec. 19, 2026 with onward connectivity to Anguilla via Providenciales. Heritage Meets Tourism: Environment Month 2026 included a community cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon, led by the Ministry of Environment’s Parks and Beaches Division, aimed at preserving a key piece of the twin islands’ cotton-industry history and supporting tourism through protected landmarks. Travel Industry Signals: Hilton Honors is changing how upgrades work, offering confirmable upgrade rewards for top members and showing upgrade options during digital check-in.

Air Access: BermudAir is expanding Caribbean links for the 2026-27 winter season, adding new seasonal nonstop service from Boston’s Logan to Anguilla (Dec. 18, 2026–May 3, 2027) and also to Turks and Caicos and Belize, with flights going on sale June 5. Regional Connectivity: BermudAir also plans Toronto Pearson-to-Turks and Caicos service starting Dec. 19, 2026 (weekly Saturdays), with onward connections that include Anguilla. Tourism Marketing: The Anguilla Tourist Board has launched its 2026 Summer Campaign, “Taste. Feel. Live.”, plus a new Xcape App, aiming to boost summer visitation and encourage visitors to explore local food, culture, festivals, and experiences beyond the beach. Heritage & Cleanliness: Environment Month 2026 saw a community cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon, led by the Ministry of Environment’s Parks and Beaches Division, to help preserve historic landmarks and support tourism. Travel Industry Buzz: Hilton Honors is rolling out confirmable upgrade rewards for top members and showing upgrade options during digital check-in.

Anguilla Tourism Boost: The Anguilla Tourist Board has launched its 2026 Summer Campaign, “Taste. Feel. Live.”, rolling out the new Xcape App to drive summer visitation, cut seasonality, and spotlight local food, culture, festivals, boat racing, and heritage experiences. Air Access Update: BermudAir is expanding Caribbean routes, including new seasonal nonstop service from Boston to Anguilla (Dec. 18, 2026–May 3, 2027) and additional winter links to Turks and Caicos, with further connectivity via Providenciales. Regional Connectivity Milestone: American Airlines says it will reach 100 destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, adding Miami service to Maracaibo (July 14, 2026) and a return to Haiti via Cap-Haitien (Nov. 1, 2026), with Anguilla listed among its winter network. Conservation Watch: A new report highlights how European eel smuggling is tied to organized crime and severe declines, underscoring the wider pressure on critically endangered eel populations. Travel Planning Trend: A guide argues that travel advisors can be a real safety net—especially for travelers who want expertise and help when plans go sideways.

Air Access for Anguilla: BermudAir is expanding winter routes, adding nonstop Boston–Anguilla service (Dec. 18, 2026–May 3, 2027) plus more Caribbean links from Logan, while the airline also plans Toronto–Turks and Caicos with onward connectivity to Anguilla. More Regional Flights: American Airlines marks a major Latin America and Caribbean milestone with new Miami routes to Maracaibo (July 14, 2026) and Cap-Haitien (Nov. 1, 2026), with Anguilla listed among its winter-served destinations. Tourism Marketing Push: The Anguilla Tourist Board launched its 2026 Summer Campaign, “Taste. Feel. Live.”, and rolled out the Xcape App to boost visitor engagement and help spread demand beyond peak season. Heritage & Community: Environment Month 2026 included a cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon, led by the Parks and Beaches Division, aimed at preserving historic landmarks and supporting tourism. Beach Spotlight: The World’s 50 Best Beaches list names Shoal Bay East, Anguilla, among the world’s top picks.

Anguilla Tourism: The Anguilla Tourist Board has launched its 2026 summer push, “Taste. Feel. Live.”, spotlighting local food, culture, festivals and year-round experiences, and rolling out the new Xcape app to boost visitor engagement. Air Access (Anguilla): BermudAir is expanding winter routes, adding nonstop service from Boston’s Logan to Anguilla (Dec. 18, 2026–May 3, 2027), plus seasonal links to Turks and Caicos and Belize. Regional Flights (Caribbean/Latin America): American Airlines marks a major network milestone with new Miami routes to Maracaibo, Venezuela (July 14, 2026) and Cap-Haitien, Haiti (Nov. 1, 2026), while deepening Caribbean and Latin America connectivity that includes Anguilla among its served destinations. Travel Planning Tips: A roundup highlights how travel advisors can help with expertise and problem-solving—especially for first-time or detail-heavy trips. Heritage & Tourism: Environment Month 2026 included a community cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon, aimed at preserving a key historic site and supporting tourism. Beach Buzz: The World’s 50 Best Beaches list names Shoal Bay East in Anguilla among top global picks.

Air Connectivity: BermudAir is expanding Caribbean links from North America, adding new seasonal routes from Boston’s Logan to Anguilla (nonstop twice weekly from Dec. 18, 2026), plus Turks and Caicos and Belize, with flights going on sale June 5. Regional Flights: American Airlines also announced new Miami services—Maracaibo, Venezuela (July 14, 2026) and a return to Haiti via Cap-Haitien (Nov. 1, 2026)—as it pushes toward 100 destinations across the region, including Anguilla. Tourism Marketing: The Anguilla Tourist Board launched its 2026 summer campaign, “Taste. Feel. Live.”, and rolled out the Xcape App to drive year-round visitation and spotlight local food, culture, festivals, and authentic island experiences. Heritage & Community: Environment Month 2026 featured a cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon, led by the Parks and Beaches Division, aimed at preserving historic landmarks and supporting tourism. Beach Buzz: A global beach ranking put Shoal Bay East, Anguilla on its “World’s 50 Best Beaches” list, boosting attention on the island’s shoreline. Travel Planning Trends: Hilton Honors is changing upgrades for top members with confirmable suite upgrades at booking and clearer upgrade options during digital check-in. Travel Advice: A feature highlights how travel advisors can help with expertise and support during travel problems, especially for first-time or complex trips.

Air Access for Anguilla: BermudAir is expanding winter routes, adding nonstop Boston–Anguilla service (Dec. 18, 2026–May 3, 2027) and also rolling out Toronto–Turks and Caicos with onward connections to Anguilla, boosting regional reach for Canadian and U.S. leisure travelers. Tourism Marketing Push: The Anguilla Tourist Board launched its 2026 Summer Campaign, “Taste. Feel. Live.”, plus the new Xcape App, aiming to drive year-round visitation through local food, culture, festivals, and immersive experiences. Heritage & Community: Environment Month 2026 included a cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon, led by the Parks and Beaches Division, to protect a key historic site and support tourism. Beach Spotlight: Shoal Bay East, Anguilla, appears on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list, keeping the island in the global conversation as summer travel ramps up. Travel Planning Trend: Hilton Honors is changing how upgrades work, offering confirmable suite upgrades for top members at booking and showing upgrade options during digital check-in—making room upgrades more predictable. Travel Advice: A guide highlights why travel advisors can help with expertise and “someone advocating for you” during trip problems, with tips on choosing the right credentialed specialist.