Destination builds advisor ties as new Virtuoso data ranks Anguilla among top festive travel markets
L-R: Merla Smith Halley, board director of the Anguilla Tourist Board with U.S.-based Falon Sweeney, Courtney Carter U.S.-based travel advisors and Chantelle Richardson, Anguilla’s deputy director of tourism at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026.
LAS VEGAS — The Anguilla Tourist Board strengthened ties with top luxury travel advisors and industry partners at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026. The organization used the global marketplace to spotlight new demand indicators and reinforce Anguilla’s position among high-end Caribbean destinations.
The Anguilla delegation included Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism; Merla Smith Halley, board director of the Anguilla Tourist Board; and Vivian Chambers, Anguilla’s U.S. sales representative.
Connecting with Luxury Travel Advisors
During the week, the delegation met with influential advisors and partners to share destination updates and strengthen existing relationships. Additionally, they worked to develop new opportunities to drive awareness and visitation among high-value travelers.
Anguilla’s presence came as Virtuoso announced that the island ranked No. 1 in the Caribbean and No. 3 worldwide for festive holiday travel, based on the network’s 2026 booking data. West End, Anguilla, also ranked No. 8 among Virtuoso’s top individual festive destinations worldwide.
The ranking gave the tourist board a timely platform to engage advisors on Anguilla’s luxury travel appeal. It also highlighted the continued strong demand for the destination.
Chantelle Richardson, Anguilla’s Deputy Director of Tourism
“Virtuoso Travel Week gives Anguilla a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the advisors and partners who influence luxury travel decisions around the world,” Richardson said.
“The recognition announced during the week was an especially proud moment and reinforced what we were hearing in our conversations: Anguilla continues to resonate with discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences, personalized service and authentic Caribbean hospitality.”
Virtuoso Preferred Partner Lounge
Anguilla takes center stage at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, showcasing the destination’s distinctive “Taste. Feel. Love.” brand experience.
Anguilla also had a presence in the Virtuoso Preferred Partner Lounge. This gave the destination a dedicated platform to engage directly with advisors and industry partners.
The delegation highlighted Anguilla’s tourism offerings, including its resorts and villas, beaches, culinary scene, wellness experiences and personalized approach to hospitality.
Anguilla’s Virtuoso Portfolio
Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, meets Frank Pierce, director of sales & marketing of Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, during Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas.
Four properties from Anguilla’s Virtuoso portfolio participated: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club; Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla; Malliouhana Resort Anguilla; and Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
Anguilla has six properties in the Virtuoso network. In addition to the four represented in Las Vegas, the portfolio includes Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla, and Quintessence Hotel, Relais & Châteaux.
The tourist board also hosted a small dinner for key travel partners. It offered a more personal setting to build relationships and share Anguilla’s story.
Richardson said these relationships are critical to converting destination awareness into meaningful business for Anguilla.
“Luxury travel is highly relationship-driven, and travel advisors remain some of our most important ambassadors in the marketplace,” Richardson said.
“Our objective is not simply to ensure they know Anguilla, but that they understand the depth of the destination, what is new and evolving, and why Anguilla continues to deliver an experience that inspires repeat visitation and strong word-of-mouth advocacy.”
Anguilla Tourist Board
The Anguilla Tourist Board said its participation in Virtuoso Travel Week is part of a broader strategy to build international partnerships and increase destination visibility. Furthermore, the strategy aims to convert luxury travel interest into visitation and economic opportunity for Anguilla’s tourism sector.
