In a bid to bolster Anguilla’s reputation as a top-tier dive destination, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, and Tourism (MICUH&T) unveiled its comprehensive Dive Tourism Policy on 13th November at their headquarters. Titled “A Holistic Approach to Dive Tourism”, this ambitious policy aims to position Anguilla as a leader in sustainable dive tourism while safeguarding its precious marine ecosystems.
“Today represents a pivotal step forward for Anguilla,” said Ms. Sari-Lee Benjamin, MICUH&T’s product development officer and chairperson for the event. She emphasized the policy’s focus on inclusivity: “We wanted to ensure that everyone is included, not just the Ministry of Tourism, not just the Anguilla Tourist Board, not just the divers, but everyone.”
The dive tourism policy reflects extensive collaboration across sectors and the wider community, aiming to benefit all stakeholders from local dive operators to the island’s youth. The policy is designed to foster economic growth while conserving Anguilla’s marine biodiversity. “This policy marks a significant milestone in Anguilla’s tourism journey,” remarked Kendell Richardson, MICUH&T’s compliance manager. “It’s a framework that balances economic benefits with the need to preserve the beauty and health of our marine life, ensuring Anguilla’s economy remains resilient and vibrant.”
The Hon. Minister of MICUH&T Haydn Hughes, who has been instrumental in the policy’s development, praised the collaborative process: “This is maybe 30 years overdue, but change couldn’t wait,” he said. “We want to ensure that dive tourism grows responsibly, balancing economic opportunities with environmental stewardship.”
Central to the policy’s success are partnerships between government, environmental organisations, and international experts. From collaborations with the Anguilla National Trust to engagements with international bodies like the Blue Economy Diving Alliance (BEDA), the policy taps into a diverse network aimed at promoting conservation-minded tourism. The Ministry of Tourism is also working closely with local dive operators and resorts to create dive packages and seasonal events that showcase Anguilla’s marine offerings.
The policy envisions dive-related educational programmes for locals, dive camps for young enthusiasts, and an annual dive festival, positioning Anguilla as a year-round dive destination. Ms. Kimberly King, Chief Marketing Officer at the Anguilla Tourist Board, highlighted the competition with other Caribbean nations: “We’re in a highly competitive market, but with campaigns like ‘Exclusively Yours,’ we’re underscoring Anguilla as a unique, eco-conscious destination.”
As with any ambitious plan, Anguilla’s dive tourism strategy faces challenges. From climate change impacts and environmental degradation to the limitations of local infrastructure, the Ministry has identified potential obstacles to the policy’s implementation. Aleeza Moseley, an ocean governance expert from BEDA, stressed the need for strategic partnerships and blue economy funding to overcome these hurdles. “A robust legal and institutional framework is essential for sustainable dive tourism, as well as coordination to prevent redundancy and inform decision-making,” she advised.
With a new airport terminal and runway extension on the horizon, Anguilla is poised to welcome an influx of dive tourists in 2025, creating opportunities to expand eco-tourism and voluntourism initiatives. Visitors will not only experience Anguilla’s renowned reefs but may also participate in conservation activities, such as coral restoration projects and beach clean-ups, giving them a chance to directly contribute to the island’s environmental wellbeing.
The Dive Tourism Policy is a forward-looking plan that holds promise for Anguilla’s economy, community, and natural resources. “This policy isn’t just about regulations,” said Joleyne Robin-Williams, Tourism Planner, “It’s a roadmap for sustainable growth that will guide our dive tourism for generations.”
With this policy, Anguilla is poised to strengthen its dive tourism sector, attracting a new wave of eco-conscious travellers, creating economic opportunities for locals, and protecting the island’s marine treasures for future generations. As Ms. Benjamin aptly concluded, “It’s not only about policy but about a shared commitment to a sustainable future.”
