Gov’t moves to create national tourism policy

The government is embarking on a comprehensive initiative to develop a National Tourism Policy and Plan to steer the BVI’s tourism sector towards sustainable growth and economic resilience.

The government’s decision follows the inaugural Tourism Summit on Peter Island last week. The event convened over 330 stakeholders, including tourism experts and industry leaders.

During his keynote address, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley emphasised tourism’s importance to the territory. “Tourism remains a vital pillar of our economy, providing employment, stimulating business development, and enhancing the standard of living for all,” he said. “As we strive to sustain this industry, we must do so with a shared vision and collective responsibility.”

The summit served as a platform to explore strategies for advancing the tourism sector, focusing on sustainability, cultural integration, and economic empowerment. Key initiatives discussed included investing in sustainable practices to protect the territory’s pristine environment, empowering local communities through the introduction of the Tourism Investment Programme for Micro Enterprises (TIP ME) to support local businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience by upgrading infrastructure, incorporating modern technology, and providing specialised training.

Junior Minister of Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith highlighted the significance of collaboration. “Tourism is everyone’s business. Every resident, whether directly or indirectly involved in the industry, is an ambassador for our territory,” she stated. “Each interaction, from the taxi driver to the hotel concierge, contributes to the overall perception of the Virgin Islands as a premier destination.”

The summit also celebrated the recovery of the Peter Island Resort, marking a significant milestone following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Permanent Secretary of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development Joseph Smith reflected on the summit’s significance, stating, “This summit marks the beginning of a significant journey—a journey to shape the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands. Through your participation, feedback, and insights, we will be guided in formulating a comprehensive National Tourism Policy.”

In November 2024, Dr Wheatley outlined an ambitious goal of attracting two million visitors by 2025, pointing out the need for strategic investments in infrastructure and events to achieve this target.

However, the BVI faces challenges in balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability. In November 2024, the Territory was included in Fodor’s ‘No List 2025’, which pinpointed concerns over the capacity to manage large numbers of visitors without harming the environment and straining local resources.