Premier sees silver lining in cruise passenger decline

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has described a recent decline in cruise passenger arrivals as an opportunity to build a more sustainable tourism sector in the BVI.

Speaking during the first broadcast of Virgin Islands Voice, Dr Wheatley said the territory had seen “a slight decline” in cruise visitors but insisted it was “actually not that bad.”

“We want to have a little more overnight guests and kind of stay at a steady, sustainable rate as it pertains to cruise passengers,” he stated.

Dr Wheatley noted that overnight visitors tend to contribute more to the local economy through spending on hotels, restaurants, and other services. He also acknowledged that many cruise ships leave the region during the summer, heading to the Mediterranean, and said the BVI is looking to attract more cruise traffic during that time.

“That’s when we need a lot more cruise passengers,” he said.

While some stakeholders have raised concerns about reduced cruise activity affecting ferry traffic and vendors in Road Town, the Premier argued that the changing trends present a chance for businesses to adapt.

“What we’re saying is, we have to learn to evolve and we have to learn to adapt. And as business people, if we don’t evolve and adapt, then we won’t be sustainable,” he asserted.

He pointed to the territory’s marine sector as an example of diversification, with operators offering inter-island trips and charters. “There’s a thriving marine business within the Virgin Islands… going to Virgin Gorda, going to Anegada, doing cruises in our waters,” he explained.

Dr Wheatley also highlighted recent data showing a 6.4 per cent increase in overnight visitors during the first quarter of 2025, saying that new airlift connections had helped to boost arrival numbers.

While he recognised that cruise tourism still plays an important role, he stressed the need for balance across the sector to maintain long-term economic stability.