First Management Training Programme Proves Successful

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board’s Management Training Programme was developed in 2015 to provide new and energetic young professionals who have completed a four-year degree in hospitality, tourism or marketing related studies, with a broad perspective of the overall industry through immersion training.

Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board said, “It is important for the Board to attract employees who are knowledgeable, committed and interested in pursuing a career in the tourism industry. Therefore, we were strategic in including in our succession planning, a Management Training progamme to provide a career pathway for young professionals to learn all facets of the management and marketing of the tourism industry, while enhancing the human resource capital of the organization.”

As a direct result of this strategic planning, the BVI Tourist Board is pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. Odelcer Hanley, Marketing Manager responsible for International Markets, and Ms. RaeNisia Scatliffe, Marketing Manager with oversight of the Local and Regional Markets.

Odelcer, a former British Virgin Islands Junior Minister of Tourism, joined the BVI Tourist Board’s Finance Department in 2008 as a Junior Accountant. She attended Lee University in 2012, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, Digital Media Studies in 2015.  Her programme track included crosstraining with the Director and staff of Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO-USA Inc) and attended conferences with the US and Canadian national tourism organizations.  She also spearheaded the 2017 Miami Open tennis promotion, explored the travel series of AFAR Magazine, and interned with HeBS, a hospitality and travel focused digital marketing agency, as well as Myriad Marketing, BVITB’s marketing agency. These opportunities provided Odelcer with extensive experience in digital and print media marketing, social media, client services, research and branding, and public relations.

When asked how the programme impacted her, Odelcer said, “It broadened my understanding of the industry in providing insight into how it operates as a whole, and how our industry partners’ roles impact each other. Most people view tourism as just advertising when there is more to it—from  marketing to managing public relations, to creating and maintaining relationships with industry partners.”

RaeNisia obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Travel & Tourism Management from Florida International University in 2009; and in 2016, she completed her graduate degree in Marketing and Sales, from Edinburgh Napier University in the UK.

During the course of the programme, RaeNisia had the opportunity to rotate within the Marketing and Product departments of the BVITB locally and overseas.  RaeNisia also crosstrained with CTO – USA Inc, AFAR Magazine, and joined the North American Team on sales calls and promotional events in the United States.  Additionally, she worked with the BVITB’s international public relations agencies, managed the BVI Guest Experience Programme, and served as a liaison officer within the Premier’s Office. She currently manages the ONE BVI local campaign, and as a Certified Disney Master Trainer, she conducts trainings for various industry partners.

RaeNisia expressed that the program was invigorating.“What has been rewarding was the interaction with collegues, industry partners and agencies who have aided in my professional development. The programme has afforded me invaluable experiences by working closely with the Director of Tourism, Heads of Departments and the Worldwide Marketing Consultant.”  She explained that tourism is one of the BVI’s main economic pillars and she is elated to now be able to continue to actively contribute to the growth and development of the Tourism Industry. 

Commenting on the appointments of Odelcer and RaeNisia, the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Sharon Flax-Brutus said, “Odelcer and RaeNisia have made significant contributions to the organization.  We know they will thrive in their new leadership roles.”

Please join us in congratulating Odelcer and RaeNisia on their promotions.

About the British Virgin Islands

An archipelago comprised of 60 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located approximately 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, in the northwestern region of the Caribbean Sea. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town, located on Tortola, is the British Virgin Islands’ capital.

Renowned as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, the BVI’s dynamic and vast topography provides a unique opportunity to “island hop” with ease — with each island characterized by its own cultural and natural wonders. Among these attractions are The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Anegada’s Flamingo Pond, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola’s Sage Mountain. Destination highlights also include world-class yachting, snorkeling, hiking, sustainable tourism and, for diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean’s most stunning wreck dives, such as the RMS Rhone.

A pristine and romantic island paradise evoking a bygone era, the British Virgin Islands are nonetheless easily accessible for U.S. travelers flying into Tortola/Beef Island’s Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) via frequent connecting service from nearby Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin. Visitors traveling to the BVI from St. Thomas can also travel via ferry. Despite its status as a United Kingdom territory, the BVI conveniently uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

For more information on all that the British Virgin Islands have to offer, visit the official BVI Tourist Board website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530.