Stayover arrivals reach 81,907, up 19.9%, as every month sets a new high

THE VALLEY, Anguilla (Sept. 14, 2026) — Anguilla welcomed a record 81,907 stayover visitors from January through June 2026, up 19.9% from 68,287 during the same period last year, extending the momentum from the island’s strongest first quarter on record.

Data compiled by the Anguilla Statistics Department show that each of the first six months of 2026 set a stayover record for that month. The first quarter brought 46,691 stayover visitors, up 24.6% year over year. The second quarter added 35,216, up 14.3%. The first-half total was 13,620 higher than in 2025.

June closed the period with a record 11,067 stayover visitors, up 13% from June 2025. The United States remained Anguilla’s leading source market, accounting for 60,415, or 73.8%, of first-half stayover arrivals. In June, U.S. travelers accounted for 8,746, or 79%, of monthly stayovers. Excursionist, or day-tripper, arrivals also increased sharply in June, reaching 15,771, up 71.5% from the 9,194 in June 2025.

Overall visitor arrivals, including stayover visitors and excursionists, reached 171,143 during the first half, up 34.9% from 126,841 in the same period in 2025.

“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. I commend the Anguilla Tourist Board’s leadership team, led by Director of Tourism Jameel Rochester, as well as our industry partners and tourism workers, for the sustained effort behind these results.”

The first-half results come as Anguilla continues to earn recognition in the luxury travel market. At Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas, Anguilla ranked No. 1 among Caribbean destinations and No. 3 among countries worldwide for festive travel. Anguilla’s West End ranked No. 8 among the world’s top individual festive destinations. Virtuoso defines the festive travel period as Dec. 15 through Jan. 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 added. “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.”