Partnership Between AHTA and Tennis Academy

The Valley, Anguilla (March 24, 2004) The Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association is teaming up with the Anguilla Tennis Academy to help promote the development of the multi million dollar tennis facility for Anguilla. In discussions held this week the AHTA pledged its full support to Mitchelle Lake, president and founder of the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) who has dedicated the past nine years to the realization of a world class tennis complex for Anguilla. The AHTA will provide public relations and other communications support to the ATA as well as promotional assistance with special events and fund raising campaigns.

AHTA President Sherille Hughes underlined the benefits of this new alliance. "The new tennis academy will boost Anguilla's tourism product by reaching a whole new segment of travelers. The potential is there for thousands of new visitors to the island each year as a result of tournaments, camps, training sessions and other events that will be held at the facility." AHTA Vice President Fred Thompson, General Manager of Carimar Beach Club, one of the ATA's first sponsors, declared his strong support for the project: "I have seen this thing grown from being Mitch's dream to what it is today.

The new facility, which will be located in Blowing Point and is expected to cost in excess of US$1.6 million, will house six practice courts, a 2000 seat stadium, conference facilities, a pro shop, locker rooms and offices. World renowned architect Myron Goldfinger donated his services to design the facility and the Government of Anguilla contributed six acres of land to the project. Construction is expected to start next month. The AHTA will kick off the new partnership by assisting in the Buy-A-Brick Campaign. Members and other industry partners will be encouraged to purchase a brick for US$100.00. The bricks will pave the walkways of the tennis academy and will be inscribed with the names of the donors.

The Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association is the largest and oldest trade association on Anguilla. Representing 100 local and regional businesses from both the hotel and allied sectors, the AHTA has been Anguilla's leading tourism industry advocate for more than 23 years.

For more information about the AHTA, please call 264-497-2944 or email [email protected]