THE VALLEY, Anguilla — Anguilla recorded its strongest first half on record for stayover tourism, welcoming 81,907 visitors between January and June 2026, according to data from the Anguilla Statistics Department.

The figure represents a 19.9 per cent increase over the 68,287 stayover visitors recorded during the same period in 2025.

Each of the first six months of 2026 set a new stayover record for the respective month, extending the momentum recorded during the first quarter.

Anguilla welcomed 46,691 stayover visitors during the first quarter, a 24.6 per cent increase year on year. A further 35,216 visitors arrived during the second quarter, up 14.3 per cent from the same period last year.

June also set a monthly record, with 11,067 stayover visitors, 13 per cent more than the 9,794 recorded in June 2025.

The United States remained Anguilla’s leading source market during the first half, accounting for 60,415 visitors, or 73.8 per cent of total stayover arrivals.

US visitors also accounted for 8,746, or 79 per cent, of stayover arrivals in June.

Excursionist arrivals, referring to visitors who do not stay overnight, also increased sharply in June. The island recorded 15,771 excursionists, up 71.5 per cent from the 9,194 recorded in June 2025.

When stayover visitors and excursionists are combined, Anguilla recorded 171,143 visitor arrivals during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 34.9 per cent over the 126,841 recorded during the same period last year.

“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,” said Cardigan Connor, minister of health, tourism and sports.

“Stayover growth is especially important because its benefits reach accommodations, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, retailers and stakeholders across our communities.”

Connor also commended the Anguilla Tourist Board’s leadership team, led by Director of Tourism Jameel Rochester, along with tourism industry partners and workers for their contribution to the results.

The strong visitor numbers come as Anguilla continues to receive recognition in the luxury travel market.

At Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, Anguilla ranked first among Caribbean destinations and third among countries worldwide for festive travel. Anguilla’s West End also ranked eighth among the world’s top individual festive destinations.

Virtuoso defines the festive travel period as December 15 through January 7.

“As the representative for West End, I am particularly proud that our district has been recognized among the world’s leading festive destinations,” Connor said.

“This recognition is also a win for the entire island. It reflects the quality of Anguilla’s accommodations, cuisine, beaches and service, and it strengthens our commitment to growing tourism responsibly while protecting the character, hospitality and sense of place that set Anguilla apart.”