Anguilla set new stayover visitor records every month from January through June 2026, hosting 81,907 visitors in the first half of the year, a 19.9 percent increase over the same period in 2025, according to data from the Anguilla Statistics Department.
Quarterly Visitor Growth and Excursionist Arrivals
The island recorded 46,691 stayover arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, up 24.6 percent compared to Q1 2025. The second quarter brought an additional 35,216 stayover visitors, marking a 14.3 percent year-over-year increase. June alone saw 11,067 stayover visitors, a 13 percent uplift from June 2025. Excursionist arrivals also surged, with 15,771 visitors in June 2026, a 71.5
percent rise from 9,194 in June 2025. Combined stayover and excursionist arrivals reached 171,143 for the first half of 2026, 34.9 percent more than the 126,841 recorded during the same time last year.
American Travelers and June Visitor Data
American travelers made up the majority of Anguilla’s stayover visitors, accounting for 60,415 arrivals in the first half of 2026, or 73.8 percent of the total. In June, 8,746 American travelers represented 79 percent of stayover arrivals, reinforcing the United States as the island’s principal source market.
Expanded Air Connectivity
Air access to Anguilla improved with the launch of nonstop flights between Anguilla and Tortola in April 2026, creating a
direct connection to the British Virgin Islands. These new routes aim to reduce travel dependence on St Maarten and facilitate more direct arrivals from regional markets.
Luxury Sector Advances and Hotel Recognitions
Anguilla’s luxury tourism sector remains robust, anchored by top-tier accommodations scattered across areas like Meads Bay, Maundays Bay, Rendezvous Bay, and Shoal Bay East. Zemi Beach House on Shoal Bay East has drawn significant attention and was named the best Hilton luxury hotel in the Caribbean in summer 2026. Its offerings include private-pool rooms and a prominent Caribbean spa, positioning it as one of the island’s leading luxury resorts.
Industry Rankings and Economic Impact
At Virtuoso Travel Week 2026
in Las Vegas, Anguilla was ranked the No. 1 Caribbean destination and No. 3 worldwide for festive travel, defined as December 15 through January 7. The island’s West End was ranked No. 8 among global festive destinations. Tourism Minister Cardigan Connor said, “Anguilla’s first-half performance shows that the momentum established in the first quarter continued through June, with every month setting a new stayover record.” He emphasized the broader economic benefits spanning accommodations, dining, transport, retail, and tours.
Regional Tourism Context
This sustained visitor growth is part of a strong regional tourism trend in 2026, with Caribbean hotels breaking occupancy records, including the
highest ever recorded in May. Anguilla’s luxury product, air access improvements, and expanding source markets underpin its ongoing tourism expansion.
