Officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development are engaging representatives from the OECS Commission in meetings aimed at advancing a Common Tourism Policy.

 Team Leader and Tourism Technical Specialist Ms. Maria Fowell and supporting consultant and Tourism Policy and Development Advisor, Dr. T. Jennifer Edwards from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS) is meeting with local officials from January 15 and January 20 to discuss the policy which also includes opportunities in the Blue Economy.

Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley said the consultations are in alignment with his administration’s commitment to advancing tourism as an economic development strategy.

Premier Wheatley said, “Tourism has proven resilient and has performed well with our overall visitor numbers being the second highest in our history, during the tourism season of 2023.”

The Premier added the sector and its related industries also have the capacity and potential to expand and progress.

He added “To achieve even greater gains, we must execute a strategic analysis which will as the basis for revised plans that will contribute to the growth and development of our tourism product well into the future.”

Premier Wheatley said the Government of the Virgin Islands is grateful for the technical support provided by the OECS and that it is another example of the benefits to be gained through its associate membership.

The bilateral discussions will be comprehensive and will include critical stakeholders including the BVI Tourist Board, Government ministries and departments, destination management companies and accommodation and rental companies. 

The overall objective is to collate the input of stakeholders on their views on the measures, policies and or enabling conditions to improve the role they play in tourism and the blue economy, and to position tourism as a sustainable and resilient part of the economy of the Virgin Islands and the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union over a 5 year period.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to fostering national political, economic, and social development in the Territory.