Anguilla aims to tap meetings market

SILVER SPRING, Maryland – The Government of Anguilla anticipates the opening of the new Ascend Collection hotel from Choice Hotels International, Inc.

SILVER SPRING, Maryland – The Government of Anguilla anticipates the opening of the new Ascend Collection hotel from Choice Hotels International, Inc. will draw business from the lucrative meetings and incentives market in the United States.

Haydn Hughes, Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for tourism, said The Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa, a high-end hotel under construction in Little Harbor on the island’s southern coast, will be the island’s first hotel to cater to large convention groups.

“We are looking for all kinds of business, not the least of which is groups and incentive travel, and this new property can definitely accommodate them,” he said, describing the 28,000 square feet of meeting space rooms as “extremely impressive.”

Slated to open this year, The Royale Caribbean Resort & Spa is a member of Ascend Collection, the upscale network of historic, boutique or unique hotels from Choice Hotels International in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

The Ascend Collection membership program features high-end independent hotels seeking a competitive advantage while maintaining their individuality.

Hughes said his Government was pleased to welcome the popular American lodging company to Anguilla, and he was particularly impressed with the power of marketing and reservations infrastructure provided by Choice Hotels. “This will bring business that would not ordinarily come to Anguilla,” said Hughes, “so we are very excited about that and very happy with the product Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Gumbs (the local proprietors) will be offering.”

The resort is set amidst colorful tropical gardens. Each of the property’s 80 rooms will offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the mountains and coastline of neighboring St. Maarten. In addition to the meeting space, the hotel features three restaurants, a 10,000 square-foot spa, a gift shop, lush tropical gardens, a children’s playground, basketball court, tennis courts and a charming Caribbean-inspired conch-shaped pool.

For elegant weddings, meetings, conventions and receptions, the resort will offer two banquet rooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms, accommodating up to 1,600 people.

Ascend Collection appeals to a growing number of discerning travelers who seek out independent, high-service properties in new destinations. Ascend Collection properties maintain their distinctive style and personality, while also benefiting from Choice Hotels’ vast resources.

Choice Hotels services include access to global reservation and distribution systems and a robust online presence on Choicehotels.com. Additionally, guests can earn and redeem points at Choice brand hotels worldwide through the Choice Privileges rewards program.

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Linda Hohnholz

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