ANGUILLA TO HOST FIRST-EVER CARIBBEAN MUSIC TOURISM CONVENTION

By Staff Writer

Anguilla is to host what is being billed as the first-ever music tourism convention in the Caribbean. Scheduled for November 4th to 6th, the Anguilla Music Tourism Convention is being promoted as “a high-impact, invite-only event that promises to bring together an exceptional line-up of speakers and industry-defining conversations”.

The event is being organised by the global company Music Cities Events in partnership with the Anguilla Ministry of Tourism, the Anguilla Tourist Board, and the Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association. It’s sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau with hosts listed as the Anguilla Ministry of Social Development & Education, and the Department of Youth and Culture.

The organisers say the planned sessions will focus on jump-starting the Anguilla music ecosystem and launching the Caribbean Music Tourism Alliance to establish the first alliance for music tourism in the Caribbean.

Speaking of redrawing the map of music tourism, the organisers say: “From government officials and tourism experts to policymakers and producers, this year’s diverse range of speakers offers unmatched insight on building sustainable music tourism ecosystems in the Caribbean and beyond.”

They speak of focusing on opportunities for decentralised territories, and offer expertise on using music to drive cultural heritage, cultural and economic growth.

“The aim is to spotlight successful music tourism models, including carnival culture, studio destinations, and genre-based strategies being driven by smaller communities, outer islands, and non-capital regions, demonstrating how their unique cultural assets are being leveraged effectively to build a sustainable tourism economy.”

Among the topics that will be explored are Carnival-Based Tourism, which will examine how calypso, soca and samba carnival festivals serve as powerful music tourism tools, driving economic impact, strengthening cultural identity and improving destination branding.

A forum on Recording Studio Destinations will explore the model where professional recording facilities serve as anchors for tourism, demonstrating their potential to generate cultural and economic activity beyond the typical tourist path.

Bringing Local Music Genres into Tourism Strategies will demonstrate how authentic local genres can shape unique visitor experiences and support cultural tourism development.

Convention planners say the Anguilla Music Tourism Convention will host a global coalition of high-level institutions, including the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, University of the West Indies, Black Rock Studios, Saudi Arabia Music Commission, Music Nova Scotia, and the Moonsplash Music Festival founded by Anguilla star Banke Banx. That annual event has featured famous stars from across several genres; among them the late rock star Jimmy Buffett, reggae greats Burning Spear and Third World, as well as Anguillian and Caribbean performers.

Other participants in next month’s inaugural Anguilla Music Tourism Convention will come from Africa, North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

“This broad coalition of stakeholders fosters global collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovative strategies for resilient music tourism economies. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the leaders shaping culture-led development around the world,” the organisers say.