Record visitor numbers marked start of 2024, says Premier
Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr Natalio Wheatley announced that the British Virgin Islands is experiencing a record number of visitors this year.
He made this statement during a recent House of Assembly (HOA) session in response to criticisms regarding the tourism sector.
“You would think we are having the worst tourism season ever,” the Premier remarked. “But would you be surprised to learn that the first quarter of 2024 is the most visitors we ever had in the history of the Virgin Islands? Would you be surprised to learn that the first six months of 2024 were the most visitors we ever had to start the year?”
He highlighted that 2023 recorded the second highest number of visitors in a calendar year, with 2019 trailing closely behind. The Premier noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had hindered progress between 2019 and 2023.
“We’re still the sailing capital of the world,” he asserted, adding, “I aint care about Rhode Island—apologies to the people of Rhode Island.”
The discussion on tourism arose during the debate on the Tourist Board Amendment Bill, where various members addressed the current state of tourism and potential solutions.
In related news, regional airline WINAIR is exploring the possibility of direct flights to Virgin Gorda. CEO Hans van de Velde recently met with Minister of Works Kye Rymer to discuss the airline’s vision for expanding its network, expressing optimism about the growth potential in the British Virgin Islands.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
Bad news as now a record number of people have witnessed the decrepit state of the Territory. Now they will tell their friends about Natures Dirty Little Secret. Good job.
Sailing Captial of the World? Google it.
If everything is so great, why are reputable companies already DISCOUNTING for Christmas and New Year?
You have never understood the maritime industry. The least you can do is listen to the people who do.
Great news Premier. However, we must remember that when a tourist destination gets overrun with too many cruise ship tourists, the destination loses its cachet and wealthy visitors/overnight visitors turn away. Right now popular European capitals are overrun and locals are protesting and telling cruise visitors to stay away. We know what happens if Governments and locals get too greedy and think that more is better. They kill the golden goose.
The ignorance is STUNNING!
this ‘visitor’ BS. Cruise ship visitors and day trippers DON’T COUNT. A visitor to the BVI is a person who overnights in the BVI for any reason including all the illegal visitors!
We will not continue to be the sailing capital of the world if the government continues its policy of denying foreign crews the right to come to BVI to work while making it easier for USVI crews to operate in our waters.
There are not enough local crew to support the industry.
The government needs to understand that.