Thriving in times of rapid change requires versatility and agility of individuals.  These are the ingredients of success within any organization. During the hurricane recovery process, the Premier’s Office recognized the need to strengthen the linkage between the tourism and hospitality public and private sector, with a view to expediting the recovery of the industry. 

The Territory is continuing cleanup efforts in preparation for the return of the Norwegian and Disney Cruise lines.

Assuring that guests to the British Virgin Islands have an excellent guest service experience is a high priority of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITB).  As a demonstration of that commitment, the Board has ensured that four of its employees were trained under the Hospitality Assured (HA) Programme; two as advisors and two as assessors.

Have you ever experienced British Virgin Islands cuisine aboard a cruise ship?  

As part of its aggressive North American promotional campaign, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) has “sailed” into the South Florida area for a quartet of tradeshows and events.  Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus said, “Having high visibility in the marketplace confirms that we are ready to welcome both our loyal repeat guests, as well as new ones.” 

Nearly six months after mighty Hurricane Irma tore through the British Virgin Islands, the idyllic destination has made significant progress in restoring its celebrated tourism product. And of course, the best way for travelers to boost recovery efforts is to simply book a trip.

I wanted to take the time to clear up the misrepresentation of events in support of our clean-up and recovery efforts. Financial Services and tourism are the twin pillars of the Virgin Islands’ economy. Our financial services sector accounts for 70 cents of every dollar of our GDP. It is how Government makes an income to pay civil servants, our law enforcement officers and our teachers. It is how Government can support the provision of services such as electricity, garbage collection, roadworks, health services and importantly, education. 

Visiting cruise passenger have expressed that the experience in the BVI was a positive one. This was the sentiment from those first to visit the Territory since the passage of Hurricane Irma.

This morning, December 6, government officials including the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Mark Vanterpool welcomed Marella Discovery’s return to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) since Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Madam Speaker thanks for the opportunity to make this statement on Tourism.