NPT wants to hike fees, improve The Baths

Acting Director of the state-owned National Parks Trust (NPT) Linda Varlack said a fee increase is among measures being contemplated to facilitate improvements at The Baths in Virgin Gorda.

She made the disclosure recently during an appearance before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Assembly.

Currently, only tourists have to pay to enter The Baths. Adults pay $3, and persons between 12 and 16 years are charged $2 each.

Varlack stated that an increase in the fee is necessary to ensure proper maintenance of the attraction.

She also promised to introduce ‘timed and scheduled’ tours, as well as an additional ferry run in the afternoon.

Complaints about overcrowding

Varlack, in the meantime, promised to address the issue of over-crowding at The Baths, adding that there have been negative reviews from tourists due to the said issue.

She added that tourists, in complaining, noted that they travel to the BVI for ‘peace and tranquility’.

To address the issue of overcrowding, Varlack said NPT will introduce a ‘loop system for trails’.

She also stated that there has been a rise in the number of visitors to The Baths and its services.

Varlack also noted that there needs to be ‘a real understanding of the carrying capacity’ of the attraction.

She, in the meantime, agreed with a suggestion made by Minister of Communication and Works Mark Vanterpool for the construction of a wooden walkway to make The Baths accessible to persons who are physically challenged.