GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Anguilla will welcome the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Sports Tourism Conference from August 12–14, 2027, bringing a regional spotlight to the island’s ambitions in sports tourism.

The announcement was confirmed by Cardigan Connor, Anguilla’s Minister of Health, Tourism and Sports, in an interview with ABC MUNDIAL during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC 2026), held in Georgetown, Guyana.

Connor said the event is expected to bring together representatives from across the Caribbean, using sport as a platform to strengthen regional connections and create new tourism opportunities.

“The idea is to bring people together, and sports is a great way of bonding people,” the minister explained.

A former professional cricket player, Connor emphasized that sport’s value extends beyond competition. Drawing on the experience of international events such as the Commonwealth Games, the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups, he highlighted sport’s ability to connect communities, support infrastructure development and create opportunities for young people.

Cricket already drives travel across the Caribbean

Cricket has long contributed to visitor flows in Anguilla and throughout the wider Caribbean. Connor explained that international matches involving the West Indies, particularly against teams such as England, encourage fans to plan trips and save money in advance to follow their teams.

“That is sports tourism,” he said, pointing to matches and finals hosted across destinations such as Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua.

For Caribbean destinations, these events can generate demand for accommodation, restaurants, transportation and local experiences. They also offer an opportunity to diversify tourism beyond the region’s traditional sun-and-beach appeal.

Golf adds another dimension to Anguilla’s tourism offer

Connor also highlighted golf as an important tourism product. Anguilla has an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, adding another experience for visitors interested in sport, leisure and premium travel.

The minister noted that golf can be enjoyed by people of different ages and abilities. He also emphasized its potential as a fundraising tool, extending its value beyond the course itself.

Hosting the CTO Sports Tourism Conference in August 2027 will give Anguilla an opportunity to showcase its tourism offering, build relationships with regional partners and strengthen its position in a segment that connects sporting events, travel and community development.

The initiative reflects a broader opportunity for Caribbean destinations: using sport not only as entertainment, but also as a catalyst for visitor spending, investment, regional cooperation and opportunities for local communities.