Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2020 | Page 110

Unique,
Mysterious Montserrat
by Mr. George Austin Howe
A
lthough tourism
has always been a
significant contributor
to Montserrat’s Gross
Domestic Product, the island
still remains seemingly waiting
to be discovered, somehow
mysterious and unique.
travellers know that the island
is open for business and that a
very unique tourism product
can be experienced, only, on
Montserrat!
Montserrat was never known
for sea, sand and sun, and since
volcanic activity begun here
in the late 1990’s, the island
has become an even more
mysterious destination. “Even while the island’s Tourism
strategy is being reviewed,
Montserrat is continuing to
provide incentives to increase
luxury accommodations on the
island. Land side-attractions are
being developed and sports,
adventure and eco-tourism are
being promoted”, he said.
The Premier, Hon. Easton
Taylor Farrell is responsible
for spearheading the island’s
tourism thrust and, he is
passionate about letting The Tourism Authority is actively
seeking alternative gateways
into and out of Montserrat, and
the government is pursuing the
establishment of the Buried City,
all part of the phased Tourism
development plan which will all
enhance the unique experience
visitors to Montserrat can enjoy.
In the years ahead, visitors can
look forward to the addition
People the world over are
of zip lines to the Montserrat
invited to the island to
experience, and, after the
experience the two main
national festivals: the Christmas regeneration of the historic
Festival in December (a cultural Village of Salem which will
be developed into a historic
extravaganza) and St Patrick’s
Week in March (a historical walk Tourism Village complete with
with the community through the “tiny villa” accommodations,
museum, eateries, souvenir
island’s Irish history).
shops and an entertainment
center, Montserrat will fully
St. Patrick’s Day and its week of
epitomize uniqueness, mystery
festivities has huge international and historic charm. Visitors
appeal, and draws visitors to
will be treated to a distinct
the island to celebrate, more so experience that may not be
because Montserrat is the only
easily replicated anywhere
Plymouth as a National Park and
Heritage Site. Because of the
resources given to the island by
the volcanic activity, Montserrat
can now pursue ‘real’ adventure
tourism.
Part of the adventure tourism
will include activities such as
• visits to the Buried City
• ATV adventure tours
• hikes through exotic
nature trails
• visits to areas where
petroglyphs can be found
In addition, the development
of the “Virtual Visit to the Buried
City” project continues, so too is
the construction of the Volcano
Interpretive Centre. These are
country outside of Ireland that
celebrates St Patrick’s Day as a
National Holiday. This is unique!
else, and will most certainly be
remembered for many years to
come.
“Montserrat’s original set of
‘snow birds’ were from Canada
and so began the very special
‘residential tourism’ initiative
that was the back bone of
Montserrat’s Tourism product
for many years. While we are
still focused on the residential
tourism concept, going
forward, we are also open to
the “Intentional Tourist” and the
introduction of niche marketing
to particular groups for week-
long stay overs.” Hon. Easton
Farrell shared.
Plan to visit Montserrat in 2020!
George Austin Howe was elected Chairman of the Movement for Change
and Prosperity, (MCAP), the Political Party that now holds the seat of
Government in Montserrat. He successfully led his Party to victory in the
national elections held in November, 2019.
Mr. George Austin Howe
Mr. Howe is a graduate of the State University of New York and holds a
degree in Business Administration. He has had a full and exciting career in
many disciplines and various fields.
He sits on the Board of the Society for the Protection of Children; has business
interests in the Environment, Eye Care and Micro Finance; has been a cultural
ambassador with a keen interest in the development of the calypso art form; has held
supervisory positions in the hospitality sector through his work with the Vue Pointe
Hotel. He is also a staunch Roman Catholic who has served on Montserrat’s Catholic
Church Parish Council for many years, and has also given unwavering and unstinting
personal and company support, annually, to local clubs and organizations.
Mr. Howe’s commitment to the community is outstanding and now, he is spreading
the word to ensure travellers are aware that Montserrat offers adventures that are
unique and mysterious, and that the island is open for business.