At Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, Chantelle Richardson, Anguilla’s deputy director of tourism (right), and Merla Smith Halley, board director of the Anguilla Tourist Board (left), are pictured alongside U.S.-based travel advisors Falon Sweeney and Courtney Carter.
During Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, Anguilla commands the spotlight, presenting its signature “Taste. Feel. Love.” brand experience to a global audience.
Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism for the Anguilla Tourist Board, engages with Frank Pierce, director of sales & marketing of Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas.
As Virtuoso accolades add to a robust Las Vegas presence, the destination cements closer ties with travel advisors
LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, August 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Throughout Virtuoso Travel Week 2026, the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) forged stronger connections with premier luxury travel advisors and industry collaborators, solidifying the island’s standing in the high-end travel sector during a week marked by notable global accolades for Anguilla.
Taking place in Las Vegas from Aug. 8–14, Virtuoso Travel Week assembled elite luxury travel experts and preferred partners from across the globe for premium networking, business growth, and immersive destination interactions.
The Anguilla delegation comprised Chantelle Richardson, deputy director of tourism; Merla Smith Halley, board director of ATB; and Vivian Chambers, Anguilla’s U.S. sales representative.
Over the course of the event, the team convened with influential travel advisors and industry figures, unveiling Anguilla’s newest offerings, reinforcing existing bonds, and opening doors for fresh initiatives to boost visibility and travel among affluent visitors.
Adding to Anguilla’s impact, Virtuoso revealed during the gathering that the island had clinched the No. 1 Caribbean destination spot and No. 3 globally for festive (holiday season) travel, based on the network’s 2026 booking figures. Additionally, West End, Anguilla secured the No. 8 position among Virtuoso’s leading individual festive destinations worldwide.
This recognition set a powerful stage for ATB’s marketplace interactions, underscoring robust demand for Anguilla and arming the delegation with a compelling talking point to draw advisors to the island’s unique luxury appeal.
“Virtuoso Travel Week offers Anguilla an invaluable chance to interface directly with the advisors and partners who shape luxury travel choices globally,” said Richardson. “The accolades unveiled during the week were a particularly proud highlight for us and echoed what we heard in our discussions — that Anguilla continues to captivate discerning travelers in search of standout experiences, tailored service, and genuine Caribbean warmth.”
A key element of Anguilla’s involvement was its footprint in the Virtuoso Preferred Partner Lounge, offering a dedicated venue for one-on-one exchanges with advisors and industry allies.
The ATB team highlighted the full spectrum of Anguilla’s tourism offerings, from its celebrated resorts and villas and prize-winning beaches to its thriving food scene, wellness options, and bespoke hospitality services.
Four properties from Anguilla’s Virtuoso collection were featured: Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club; Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla; Malliouhana Resort Anguilla; and Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
With Anguilla counting six properties within the Virtuoso network (the remaining two being Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla and Quintessence Hotel, Relais & Châteaux), the destination’s participation at Virtuoso Travel Week yields considerable advantages in highlighting the breadth and caliber of Anguilla’s luxury tourism offerings while further cementing its place in the global upscale travel arena.
ATB additionally arranged an exclusive dinner for key travel partners, creating a chance to foster closer ties and convey the Anguilla narrative in an intimate atmosphere reflective of the island’s renowned warmth and hospitality.
Richardson emphasized that these connections are vital for turning destination awareness into tangible business gains for Anguilla.
“The luxury travel sector thrives on relationships, and travel advisors remain among our most vital ambassadors in the market,” she said. “Our aim goes beyond just ensuring they know Anguilla — we want them to grasp the destination’s richness, what’s fresh and evolving, and why Anguilla consistently provides an experience that drives repeat visits and enthusiastic referrals.”
Through focused initiatives like Virtuoso Travel Week, the Anguilla Tourist Board persists in fortifying global alliances, broadening destination visibility, and translating market interest into visits and economic gains for Anguilla and its tourism stakeholders.
About Anguilla
Nestled in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a quiet treasure with a welcoming demeanor. This slender stretch of coral and limestone, adorned with greenery, is encircled by 33 beaches that seasoned travelers and leading travel publications hail as the world’s finest. A vibrant dining landscape, a diverse array of quality lodgings across price ranges, numerous attractions, and a lively festival schedule render Anguilla a captivating and enchanting locale.
Anguilla sits slightly off the main routes, preserving its charming character and appeal. Yet, with convenient access from several major hubs: Boston, MA (BOS), Newark, NJ (EWR), Baltimore, MD (BWI), Miami, FL (MIA), Puerto Rico (SJU), Antigua (ANU) and St. Maarten (SXM), plus private aviation options, it’s easily within reach. Seeking romance? Barefoot sophistication? Unpretentious elegance? Or pure, unspoiled serenity? Escape the Crowd, Discover Yourself.
Chantelle Richardson, Deputy Director of Tourism
Anguilla Tourist Board
+1 264-497-2759
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