Gov’t disappointed over BVI feature in Fodor’s No-List
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has expressed his disappointment with the British Virgin Islands being featured in Fodor’s “No List 2025” but disagrees with the publication’s assessment.
Fodor’s “No List” highlights destinations the travel guide publisher recommends avoiding due to overcrowding, environmental issues, and other concerns.
During a press conference on Tuesday, November 26, Wheatley addressed the travel review.
“The public will be aware that the Virgin Islands was recently featured in Fodor’s No List 2025, which highlights destinations its editors believe travelers should reconsider visiting in the coming year,” he said.
“The Government is disappointed by Fodor’s decision to include the Territory on its list. We remain a destination of choice because visitors enjoy our unmatched sailing waters, beautiful environment, and usually uncrowded beaches,” Dr. Wheatley added.
He also emphasised ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of tourism in the BVI.
“We continue to take steps to ensure tourism is environmentally sustainable, including through the beach management plans we are implementing. As a tourism destination, cruise tourism is an important dimension of our tourism sector,” he continued.
$100 million
In response to the publication’s concerns, Premier Wheatley highlighted the territory’s recent acquisition of a $100 million loan facility aimed at improving infrastructure.
Fodor’s report also pointed to infrastructure limitations in the BVI, which Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer acknowledged, stating the territory’s current infrastructure cannot support mass tourism.
Former BVI Tourist Board Director Sharon Flax-Brutus stressed the need for comprehensive planning, noting that the BVI often overlooks potential drawbacks in its tourism strategies. She pointed out that the territory faces ongoing challenges in tourism planning, especially as visitor numbers are expected to rise this season.
Environmental concerns were also raised in the publication, particularly regarding the BVI’s coral reefs, which are already vulnerable due to climate change. Additional threats come from unregulated anchoring, coastal development, and the use of non-reef-safe sunscreens.
Fodor’s inclusion of the BVI in its “No List” served as a reminder of the need for sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental preservation and the well-being of local communities.
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There is no plan!
Truth always hurts. Reap what you sow.
You need to be fired, bare nonsense you doing.
The place looks like trash/accident hazard- NCL told you guys the same about the infrastructure, now you disappointed in the article– fix the place and stop traveling- this is the worst I’ve ever seen Tortola- if I was a tourist I wouldn’t come here either!!
People, google Fodor’s “No List 2025” and read the write-up for yourself. Then ask yourself if it is inaccurate.
The article includes quotes from a handful of disgruntled individuals, many of whom clearly have ulterior motives. However, the substance of the piece is not an indictment of current conditions but a cautionary note about what could happen in the future if certain challenges are not addressed. Nowhere does it claim or suggest that the BVI is an undesirable destination. Instead, it underscores the importance of foresight and planning to ensure its continued appeal, contrasting sharply with the misrepresentations being spread by those with agendas of their own.
who on earth do the bvi people think they are? Unlike youall, there are people out here who will call a spade a spade. I guess there wasn’t anyone in Foders that you could pay for a lovely delusional review. It is what it is.
Based on the economic development and financial aspects of the territory of BVI, it is shameful of the condition of the place all around. You folk want tourists to come, but those with physical mobility issues cannot get around without high risk? If youall had simple sidewalks and public building access, toilets etc for your disable residents, then the tourists nee3ded the accessibility would gladly use them. We visit the BVI and go around to put ourselves in the shoe of a tourist, and ohh my goodness, most times it is a crying shame. Just drive from the airport bridge and the ride to your accommodation can give one a whiplash. Don’t youall have road engineers and don’t youall have road building codes, where for example the two lanes are never equal? Now youall are disappointed in the write-up. Instead, pull the mirror and see the areas that you can work on to improve and maintain them. Maintenance of anything seem to be a big problem with them as well. Other Caribbean islands have sand and sea too. What amenities have you put in place for the beach goers? Can they enter the restrooms and feel comfortable? or are they subjected to broken doors and filth?
Ohh the bush. We took a safari ride and many of us were scratched up from the overgrown bushes along the tour routes. It rains in Anguilla, Antigua, St Maarten, St. Kitts and other islands too. Not going get into your politics but in every development country, the government sanitation and environment and public works departments deal with these stuff, but youall seem to think that a PWD is out of style and give the works to persons who just need a job.
Come on BVI, do better and better would be said
You sound like you need a ticket back home where everything is perfect.
The article highlights destinations facing the challenges of unsustainable popularity, including places like Bali, Sicily, and Tokyo. Far from denouncing these locations, it explicitly describes them as ‘highly coveted,’ underscoring their enduring appeal. The central point is not that these destinations are undesirable but that proactive planning is essential to preserve their attractiveness and prevent overburdening the local infrastructure. Some places on the list are flagged as ‘no-go’ due to overtourism. The Government simply needs to put a plan in place to address the growing popularity . The false narrative is being pushed by those individuals with ulterior motives, some of whom were interviewed or quoted in the article.
Is running the BVI into the ground
What Beautiful environment Sir??? with the kind of horrible roads throughout the territory and Road Town looking so unattractive? There is absolutely nothing for tourist to do when they visit or enjoy while here besides the beaches…. Every other island has beautiful beaches
Do people even read anymore?
and please read what our Premier has to say. There is no plan and according to him maybe in 2026. It is embarrassing. When are BVI-citizens going to wake up and get rid of this Government? Is the UK going to let it go on like that or are they ever going to step in?
BVIs what are your plans for growth and expansion. The tourists who really want to visit your islands will come and nothing that any review says will deter them. People choose destinations for different reasons. Bali is on the list, but I will always go back there because I absolutely love Bali regardless of what Fodor says. Now for those of us who promote destinations, we want to offer those who seek our advice those countries that are unique. Apart from a tour Sage Mountain, the beach, the lovely Baths and some snorkelling, what can I sell to persons who are trying to make a decision as to yes or no. Youall have the same things for the past 20 years. The cruise pier is now added, but is that it?
FREE THE DREW , FREE THE WEED AND AS SHOWANDA FREE JAMZ TO GO ALONG WITH THE LOVELY POTHOLES , AND THE SCENT OF OUR
FREE FLOWING
SEWERAGE / AFTER YHEY DONE SMOKE OR EAT OUR WEED THEY WON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE ,AND THEY
WON’T MIND
Since the Hon. H Lavity Stoutt successive governments in the BVI have had no vision at all, but have squandered the wealth generated by financial services. There is virtually no progress to show for the billions earned and spent. This could be an amazing destination for tourists again, but it will take a lot to get there and I have no confidence that any of the present bunch of politicians have the ability, let alone the desire, to push the reforms and work necessary to get there. So, eventually, people will just go elsewhere.
Lavity Stoutt almost give away the BVI in the 60s.
You choose to ignore keeping the feathers of the golden goose oily and shine. What do you expect ?
Glowing review. Accept your responsibility as the leader of this territory and stop
Laying blame . Look at this today road coming from the airport
In East End just before tpu meet the speed bump
At WWPS
Not good enough sir
The reality is. the Leader of this Administration has NO Vision. There are about two people this Administration that really know about Tourism and they are the Junior Ministers who are also dumb founded because of Party Politics, They can’t or won’t speak out. Some Customers don’t Bitch, They Switch!! Most people in Government live in a Vacuum. They have Zero Clue of what goes on outside that Vacuum. It is safe to say that most people living in the BVI truly care about this Territory while some don’t But it is also crystal clear that this Territory has reached an all time Low since 2019. Every day, Every Time, all we hear about is Plan, Plan, Plan. Guess What? There are Plans sitting on a Shelf somewhere in Government catching Dust. Put your Money where your Mouth is and then Fodor and the others will not Paint us in such Bad Light. This Territory has a lot to offer BUT a lot still to be desired. Let us make the BVI great again by Electing Leaders who know how to Lead and how to follow. We need a Premier who Listens and not one who thinks He knows it all. We need a Premier who is willing to work Smart and achieve the Fruits of Everyone who Labours before Party Time. Truth is, where there is No Vision, the People will Perish !!!. Party Politics is killing the BVI. People are too Timid to call a Spade a Spade. Get to know who the Canidates truly are before Elections. Some of the Politicians are just in it for Greed and Self- Enrichment. They need to pay the Civil Servants Retirees their proper Pension instead of just taking care of themselves only. That in itself is a SIN and one such mis-deed that is killing the Progress in this Territory. Most of the Members of the HOA need to GO!!!! starting with the Parti- Mare.
The BVI is a reflection of all the people (including me) who live here. The Govt is a reflection of the population. Until we get that, the change we want to see is out of reach. Our actions matter. Yes, it hurts when someone puts that mirror in front of you and you ask who is that, who to blame. Let’s stop the ‘it’s them, not me’ism. Speak up; voting matters; have pride in where you live; hold people accountable for there actions and most importantly, be accountable for yours.
I live abroad and try to go back home every year. If it wasn’t for family I would avoid the B.V.I like the plague. I use to take pride in my country and always bragged to people here about the place. I stopped doing that cause I’m embarrassed of how the place looks and functions on my last two visits. I’m looking at Africa for retirement at this point.
Please reconsider the garbage bin which is placed at Brandy Wine Bay, it’s an eye sore.This is worst I’ve ever seen the B.V.I.
Passing the buses full of unhappy tourist and tourist walking around in town with nothing to see, truly hurts my heart..But remember we all play a part in keeping up the B.V.I, Business owners should start taking responsible for maintaining their buildings and in-front of business places and proper disposal of garbage. And we as B.V.I people need to take pride in how we treat the B.V.I.