RYMER: MAJOR CRUISE PLAYERS EAGER TO BOOST PRESENCE IN BVI

The Territory is solidifying its reputation as a highly sought-after cruise tourism destination, according to Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer. Rymer, who recently attended the prestigious Seatrade Global 2024 event, stated that discussions at the conference further highlighted the growing demand and interest from major tourism stakeholders in bringing more cruise ships … Continued

CTO REPORTS REGIONAL SUCCESS IN 2023, POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR CARIBBEAN TOURISM

The Caribbean tourism industry experienced a robust year in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic arrival numbers by 0.8%, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This positive trend marks a significant recovery for the region, driven by a surge in international arrivals and a revitalized hotel sector. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the CTO, delivered the “Caribbean Tourism … Continued

VIRGIN ATLANTIC EYES AFFORDABLE CARIBBEAN-EUROPE ROUTES

Virgin Atlantic has set its sights on offering more affordable flight options between the Caribbean and Europe while collaborating with Barbados on an ambitious tourism vision for the island nation to attract increased visitors. During a recent visit to Barbados, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss expressed his desire to see bolder entrepreneurial development and shoreline … Continued

ECONOMIC CONCERNS MOUNT AS OVERNIGHT VISITORS TAKE A BACKSEAT IN BVI TOURISM FIGURES

Representative for the 6th district, Hon. Myron Walwyn, recently confronted the government on its strategy to boost Overnight Visitors to the British Virgin Islands amidst a surge in cruise ship arrivals. A remarkable year in 2023, dominated by cruise ship visitors, has sparked concerns among the public and tourism stakeholders. Walwyn voiced dissatisfaction over the … Continued

VIRGIN GORDA SHINES ON “BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN APRIL” LIST

The pristine natural beauty of Virgin Gorda has earned the island a well-deserved spot on Travel and Leisure magazine’s “15 Best Places to Travel in April” list. The article told readers that as the third-largest island in the BVI archipelago, Virgin Gorda offers a quintessential Caribbean escape with its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, national parks, … Continued

PREMIER WHEATLEY ADVANCES TALKS ON VISA-FREE TRAVEL BETWEEN BVI AND GUYANA

Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has updated on the progress of plans to eliminate visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals entering the territory. In a recent interview with Guyana’s National Communications Network (NCN), the Premier expressed his support for the measure, which was initially announced by Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith OBE during a 2023 trade … Continued

LIAT (1975) AIRCRAFT SOLD OFF TO ALLOW FOR BIRTH OF LIAT (2020)

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has announced a major step toward launching the new LIAT 2020, with regional shareholder governments agreeing to sell aircraft from the defunct LIAT (1975) Limited, which took its last flight in January 2024, to the newly formed airline.  Browne described the $12.1 million sale of at least … Continued

THE BAHAMAS SIGNS SPACE TOURISM AGREEMENT WITH SPACEX

The Government of The Bahamas has announced a revolutionary agreement with aerospace company SpaceX to establish the Bahamas as a leading space tourism destination.  The Letter of Agreement (LOA) signed with The Bahamas’  Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA)  positions the Bahamas as the exclusive location globally for witnessing SpaceX rocket booster landings on … Continued

TURNBULL CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE FIX FOR PUBLIC RESTROOMS

District Two Representative the Honourable Melvin Turnbull has criticized the continued “band-aid” approach to fixing public infrastructure. He voiced concerns in a recent House of Assembly session while questioning Premier Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley about progress in repairing bathrooms in Jost Van Dyke and Cane Garden Bay.  Citing the significance of functional public restrooms, Turnbull … Continued

KPMG AWARDED AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT – TO COMPLETE BUSINESS CASE BY MAY

KPMG (BVI) has been awarded a contract by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) to spearhead the long-awaited airport development project. The BVIAA in a media release on Monday said the decision follows a rigorous tendering process that involved eight reputable companies, with KPMG (BVI) emerging as the preferred … Continued