Uptick In Tourist Arrivals in 2022

Premier, the Honourable Joseph Farrell says Montserrat has seen a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals over the past year.

He says arrivals up to October 2022, based on the same period in 2021, revealed a 268 per cent increase, while tourism expenditure has increased likewise.

Premier Farrell, who also has responsibility for the tourism portfolio, says after more than 2 years of COVID-19 impact, Montserrat’s Tourism prospects are revitalized.

He points to the December 2022 and St Patrick’s festivals last month that signaled the return of major tourism event to Montserrat.

Montserrat’s leader of government business expects 2023-2024 to draw a major uplift in tourism arrivals and expenditure.

In his 2023/24 budget Premier Farrell announced that alongside seaside investment, his Government is actively exploring public private partnership opportunities for appropriate land-side development in Little Bay to create a generative economic zone, which will, in turn, catapult broader investment in the new capital.

He points out that the government continues to invest in a range of projects funded by the European Union, including the development of the new Volcano Interpretation Centre, improvement to hiking trails and interpretative signage, investment in training and environmental awareness, infrastructure upgrades, marketing and public engagement.

According to the Premier the Government of Montserrat has continued the engagement with journalists and media producers all over the world, who are attracted to the unique experience that Montserrat offers, and will continue to advance the visibility of Montserrat’s tourism product.

These include projects with the BBC, Renegade Pictures, National Geographic, and Virgin Atlantic.