Anguilla’s AI Domain Boom: Caribbean Island Earns Tens of Millions from .ai Sales
The tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla has emerged as an unexpected major beneficiary of the global artificial intelligence boom, generating millions in government revenue simply through ownership and management of the .ai country domain. In 2023 alone, the island earned approximately US $32 million from .ai domain registrations and renewals — over 20% of its total government revenue.
While most associate the AI revolution with Silicon Valley and large tech corporations, Anguilla’s unique two-letter domain code has become a coveted digital asset for startups, investors, and multinational companies alike, eager to associate their branding with artificial intelligence.
A Digital Gold Rush: The Rise of .ai Domains
Anguilla was assigned the .ai Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) on February 16, 1995, but until recently it was an obscure digital identifier with limited commercial impact. The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022 changed everything, fueling an explosion in AI interest worldwide.
As AI entered mainstream consciousness, companies raced to secure .ai web addresses, pushing registrations from roughly 50,000 in mid-2018 to over 850,000 by early 2025. This surge transformed Anguilla’s domain management into a lucrative revenue stream, generating approximately $32 million in 2023 with projections of nearly $38 million in 2024 and possibly $48 million in 2025.
Economic Impact on Anguilla
For this island of fewer than 16,000 people, that digital revenue is a critical and game-changing part of its economy, especially given the volatility of its traditional tourism sector and vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes.
The government has strategically leveraged this income to diversify its finances and fund vital infrastructure projects, including a $175 million airport expansion featuring a state-of-the-art terminal and runway enhancements. These improvements aim to boost connectivity and economic resilience amid climate change threats.
Partnerships and Future Growth
To secure the infrastructure supporting their digital asset, Anguilla signed a five-year deal with U.S.-based tech company Identity Digital, specializing in domain registries. This move shifted the hosting of .ai domains from local servers vulnerable to hurricanes to a global network designed for scalability and resilience.
The island’s government anticipates continued growth in domain revenues, forecasting about 132 million Eastern Caribbean dollars (approximately $48 million) in 2025 and further increases through 2026 and beyond. With high renewal rates around 90% and expanding global AI interest, .ai remains a premium brand identifier in the tech world.
Beyond Domains: Cultural and Hospitality Advancements
Buoyed by its digital fortune, Anguilla’s hospitality and cultural sectors are thriving. Prestigious resorts like Malliouhana celebrate milestones with innovative experiences such as eco-tours, stargazing partnerships with scientific institutes, and culinary advancements led by celebrated local chefs.
Other luxury properties have unveiled new packages catering to global travelers seeking unique, immersive experiences. These initiatives underscore how the AI domain revenue is enabling broader investment in the island’s lifestyle and tourism appeal, positioning Anguilla for ambitious growth in 2025.
Conclusion
Anguilla’s success story exemplifies how a small nation can capitalize on a niche digital asset to transform its economy. While many focus on AI’s technological breakthroughs, Anguilla’s .ai domain boom highlights the transformative economic potential hidden in digital infrastructure and branding.
As AI continues reshaping industries globally, Anguilla stands poised to benefit further from its unique position in the internet landscape, providing a valuable blueprint for leveraging digital resources in support of national development.