AGP Executive Report

SMART tourism buzz: Sea Trek and Rainforest Adventures will host SMART 2026’s big “Surprise Event,” the networking finale expected to be the largest in a decade, with 1,000+ one-on-one meetings and curated tours across St. Maarten, St. Martin, Anguilla, Saba and Statia. Luxury travel ramp-up: Four Seasons has unveiled its 2028 Private Jet Experience, with refreshed routes like Uncharted Discovery (Antarctica to new Caribbean icons) and New World Icons, linking guests to upcoming properties in Cartagena, Puerto Rico and Venice. Caribbean awards spotlight: Caribbean POSH named the 2026 ICON Woman Awards honourees in the BVI, with Anguilla Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge as keynote speaker. Regional ties: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley says his delegation to St. Barts helped deepen tourism partnerships and boost air connectivity. Anguilla angle: Anguilla is also being highlighted in SMART’s post-event island tours, and in Nevis agriculture officials praising Agri Fest 2026’s tech-driven food security push.

Caribbean POSH ICON Woman Awards: Caribbean POSH has named the 2026 honourees for its June 26 ceremony in the British Virgin Islands, with Anguilla’s Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge set as keynote speaker alongside leaders across tourism, media, sustainability and community development. Eastern Caribbean Travel Watch: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean this week, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis and no damage reported, while residents watched unusual shoreline changes at Oualie Beach as authorities urged calm and official updates. Anguilla Connections: Nevis’ Agriculture Minister Eric Evelyn praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 as a strong, well-run showcase of modern farming and food security progress. Regional Momentum: New travel data points to St Maarten and Saint Martin staying unusually busy year-round, with more seats, hotel growth and a strong beach-and-dining pull. Travel Planning Notes: Oman’s passport ranking in the Henley index ticked up, and Four Seasons unveiled 2028 private jet journeys for ultra-luxury travellers.

Disaster Recovery: Rolling Fork, Mississippi is still rebuilding three years after the March 2023 tornado, with FEMA approving nearly $3 million for the Sharkey-Issaquena Community Hospital—while locals say the road back has been slow, and even the damaged courthouse remains closed. Caribbean Travel Demand: JetBlue is adding more flights from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten and Santo Domingo starting July 9, betting Americans want longer, easier Caribbean trips. Regional Momentum: St. Maarten and Saint Martin are seeing strong year-over-year gains, with more seats, new hotel openings, and a “use-it-as-a-base” advantage keeping the island hopping. Travel Planning Reality Check: A new travel tale highlights how quickly passport problems can turn into a scramble at the airport—so double-check documents before you go. Earth & Alerts: A magnitude 6.0 quake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Kitts and Nevis and officials urging calm as people watch coastal changes.

Travel Disruption & Paperwork Panic: A new travel dispatch recalls a 3 a.m. scramble at Kingston International Airport after a traveler arrived with an expired passport—security let them in, but warned they’d have to find their own way out, a sharp reminder to double-check documents before Caribbean hops. Luxury Aviation Buzz: Four Seasons is rolling out bold 2028 private-jet itineraries, including “Uncharted Discovery” and “New World Icons,” designed for small groups and built around exclusive access. Caribbean Flight Growth: JetBlue is adding more summer service from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten, and Santo Domingo, signaling continued demand for easy nonstop getaways. Eastern Caribbean Shake-Up: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rattled the region, with tremors felt in St. Kitts and Nevis and public attention on unusual shoreline conditions. Anguilla Angle: Oman’s passport ranking update also highlights e-visa access that includes Anguilla—useful context for travelers planning ahead.

Airlift Boost: JetBlue is adding more summer flights from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten and Santo Domingo starting July 9—daily service to both Aruba and St. Maarten, plus a second daily flight to Santo Domingo—pointing to strong demand for easy, nonstop Caribbean getaways. Caribbean Momentum: St. Maarten is seeing a big lift in travel activity, with Amadeus data showing Sint Maarten up 18% year over year and Saint Martin up 12%, as more seats, new hotels, and a strong dining-and-beach mix keep the island feeling “hotter than it has been in years.” Regional Watch: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Kitts and Nevis; no damage or injuries were reported, though residents flagged unusual coastal water-level changes at Oualie Beach while authorities urged people to stick to official updates. Local Angle: Nevis’ Agriculture Minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026, highlighting modern farming tech and food-security focus despite dry conditions.

Airlift Boost: JetBlue is adding more summer flights from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten and Santo Domingo starting July 9—daily service to both Aruba and St. Maarten, plus a second daily flight to Santo Domingo—aimed at travelers who want easy nonstop access and full-week beach-and-dining plans. Caribbean Demand Pulse: New travel data keeps pointing to strong momentum in St. Maarten/Saint Martin, with year-over-year growth and a steady stream of visitors drawn by the island’s “do-it-all” setup. Regional Disruption Watch: A magnitude 6.0–6.1 earthquake shook the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St Kitts and Nevis; officials say no injuries or damage have been reported, and residents are being urged to follow updates. Local Food & Farming Spotlight: Nevis’ agriculture minister praised Anguilla’s Agri Fest 2026 for its tech-driven farming push and food-security focus. Global Travel Context: Caribbean tourism leaders are also pushing a regional logistics plan to keep more tourism spending circulating locally.

Caribbean Travel Alert: A strong magnitude 6.1 earthquake rattled the Eastern Caribbean, with tremors felt in St. Kitts and Nevis and residents watching for any coastal fallout—authorities say no injuries or damage have been reported and there’s no confirmed tsunami threat. Beach Buzz: Over in Europe, Fteri Beach on Kefalonia just topped The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for Europe—its secluded, boat-or-hike access is the kind of “quiet wow” travelers love. Anguilla Access Update: Oman’s passport ranking improved in the Henley Passport Index, and the latest e-visa list includes Anguilla—another small signal that travel paperwork is getting easier for more visitors. Regional Tourism Momentum: Caribbean tourism leaders are pushing a regional logistics and supply-chain plan to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, while new Caribbean Travel Trends reporting points to smarter, higher-value demand beyond peak season.

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.