At Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025, Rosetta West Gerald, CEO of the Montserrat Tourism Authority, offered a powerful update on the island’s strategic growth, natural wonders, and rich cultural identity. Known as the Caribbean’s modern-day Pompeii, Montserrat is leveraging its volcanic legacy, lush landscapes, and Afro-Irish heritage to position itself as a premier destination for soft adventure, cultural discovery, and serene retreats.
New Airlift and Increased Accessibility: Connecting Montserrat to the World
Montserrat, just 20 minutes by air from Antigua, has long been considered one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Now, thanks to expanded airlift, it’s easier than ever to explore.
Recent developments include:
- New flights from Saint Martin via LIAT subsidiary Linear Air, launched on May 9, 2025
- Twice-weekly service on Fridays and Sundays, expected to increase to three flights per week in July
- Continued service from SVG Air and Fly Montserrat from Antigua
“These routes are game changers,” said Gerald. “It’s critical for travel agents and operators to understand how accessible Montserrat has become. Marketplace gives us the platform to educate and build those connections.”
Plymouth: A Living, Modern-Day Pompeii
Montserrat’s most unique tourism offering is the buried capital city of Plymouth, devastated by the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption in the 1990s. Now accessible only by certified tour guides, visitors can walk atop 30 feet of volcanic debris, tracing the outlines of submerged homes, buildings, and once-bustling streets.
“It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience,” Gerald explained. “It’s history you can walk on.”
This unique site is being positioned as a modern-day Pompeii, blending education, geology, and historical memory into a one-of-a-kind Caribbean tour.
Soft Adventure Meets Soulful Solitude
Beyond its volcanic intrigue, Montserrat offers a wealth of nature-based and wellness travel experiences:
- World-class hiking trails of varying difficulty
- Birdwatching, turtle watching, and snorkeling
- Diving in unspoiled marine ecosystems
- Volcano viewing for the intrepid traveler
- Peaceful escapes for those seeking solitude and safety
“Montserrat is the kind of place where you can just breathe,” Gerald said. “It’s safe, lush, unhurried—and for many, that’s the luxury they’re seeking.”
Cultural Fusion: The Afro-Irish Identity of Montserrat
Montserrat is the only place outside of Ireland to declare St. Patrick’s Day a national holiday. This isn’t just a nod to Irish traditions—it’s a celebration of Afro-Irish heritage, born of history dating back to the 1600s.
The Afro-Irish St. Patrick’s Festival, held annually in March, is a 10-day celebration featuring:
- Cultural exhibitions and concerts
- Traditional African and Irish-inspired clothing and food
- Guinness-fueled revelry and national pride
- Historical reenactments and community parades
Place names like Cork Hill and St. Patrick’s reflect the Irish migration to Montserrat from neighboring islands like St. Kitts. And local surnames like Sweeney, West, and Gerald speak to the fusion of two worlds, creating a uniquely Caribbean cultural identity.
“This festival is who we are,” Gerald said. “It tells the story of our people, our struggles, and our joy.”
Looking Forward: Sustainable, Community-Centered Tourism
The Montserrat Tourism Authority is also championing a Community Environmental Stewardship Program to educate residents and visitors on the island’s fragile ecology and the role it plays in tourism. Sustainability is at the heart of Montserrat’s tourism model—low-impact, high-value, and deeply rooted in community benefit.
Montserrat in One Word? “Awesome.”
Gerald summarized the island’s appeal with a single word: “Awesome.” Whether you’re trekking volcanic trails, exploring buried towns, or celebrating St. Patrick’s with Guinness and green in a tropical setting, Montserrat is a destination like no other.
“Come to Montserrat,” she said with a smile. “Relax, explore, and experience a place that’s truly unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean.”
