Rymer off to Seatrade as gov’t touts record numbers
The Virgin Islands has reached an impressive achievement with a historic rise of more than 90,000 cruise passengers in the first quarter of 2024, in comparison to the previous year.
The increase shows the popularity of the territory as a top choice for cruise trips, strengthening its standing in the international cruise industry.
To take advantage of this momentum, the BVI plans to make a big impact at the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, the top yearly event for the cruise industry. The four-day event in Miami, Florida, which begins today, April 8, attracts executives, stakeholders, and influential figures worldwide.
Heading the group, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer emphasised the territory’s presence at the event. “Our participation in this event demonstrates the VI’s unwavering commitment to building and maintaining long-term partnerships within the cruise industry, driving mutual growth and success,” Rymer said.
The group, which includes staff of the BVI Ports Authority, the BVI Tourist Board, and private sector partners, will focus on enhancing current connections and creating fresh partnerships.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Elvia Smith-Maduro, emphasised the involvement of the territory at a Caribbean Spotlight Session.
According to Smith-Maduro, this session will examine the region’s tourism landscape and showcase the BVI’s role in promoting sustainable tourism development.
During Seatrade Cruise Global, the VI delegation will participate in different activities like connecting with industry experts, joining educational sessions, and highlighting the special appeal of the Virgin Islands as a premier cruise destination.
The territory aims to strengthen its presence in the cruise industry by searching for new opportunities and collaborations to promote expansion and sustainability for the BVI.
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Why bother trying to attract visitors in droves who contribute very little to the economy, instead of focusing on long term visitors? The Baths NPT charges $3 admission but nobody would flinch at a $20 entrance fee that could then be used to employ lifeguards and purchase an AED to reduce the number of drownings? If this is because it is embarrassing to admit to the number of fatalities in the territory, then solve the issue! A cruise ship passenger spends virtually $0 on a trip from their ship to the baths for their 1 day stay. A long term visitor will spend thousands eating at local restaurants and supporting local jobs by using local businesses. The only reason I can see is that the government would maybe need to be accountable for the money they receive?!
A long term guest is going to spend a lot of money. A cruise ship guest is only in port for a few hours and is not going to spend a whole lot of money. The taxi drivers is the only ones that make money on Cruise ship days.
While lifeguards and AEDs on beaches are a good isea, you forget that cruise ship tourists are notoriously tight with their money.. Most would balk at paying $20 entry to the baths after paying $20 for the taxi to take them there.
As many know, BVIs is better served economically b catering o long term visitors: villa rentals and charterers. They spend money on taxis, car rentals, restaurants, bars and supermarkets. But since certain privileged families get a piece of the departure tax for each and every crusie ship passenger leaving, the focus will be on cruise ships will not change.
When I come to Tortola, I rent a hotel room, hire a taxi, ride a BVI ferry from St Thomas, rent a car, buy groceries, eat/drink at local restaurants & bars and spend more money in one day than 200 cruise passengers will remit. Why BVI continues to allow their beautiful island to be trodden by the masses from cruise ships for a few pence amazes me. Being a Theme park is so unbecoming of the islanders.
if someone invites you to see a plane do not go
Hahahahahahahaha
WHILE THE BUSHES HAULING THE TOURISTS OUT OF THE BUSES AND THE POTHOLES MASHING UP THEIR BACKS
Just stay away from the OPA LOCKA AIRPORT and I would highly agree, if someone invites you to step on a private plane RU
NNNNNN CUUSE YA KNOW EXTRA SIDE EYES IS FOCUS ON Y’ALL. BY THE WAY? HOW COME PREMIER IS NOT SITTING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS SANS HE HAVE/ALWAYS UP IN EVERYTHING.
When the conference is over come straight back home. Don’t stray nor extend your stay. We need you back here.
As a former cruise passenger to Tortola, the most I spend when I got off the ship was $20.00. This was not because I was cheap, why unload money for a couple of hours in Port. And honestly, most of the passengers opt to stay on the ship. FYI, guest that is paying to stay in hotels, villas, car rentals etc is the guest that is spending and bringing in the money. That is what you guys need to be focusing on not the cruise ships.
THATS JUST A PART OF THE EXCITEMENT , ITS LIKE A SAFARI TOUR IN AFRICA , EXCEPT WE DON’T HAVE ANY LIONS – TIGERS – ELEPHANTS ETC ( ONLY HUMAN PREDATORS WHO WILL TAKE THEIR DOLLARS WITH A SMILE ,AND COME AGAIN
lets hope he comes back
First of all, Kye did not set up any dope deal, did not launder monies, did not made any deals to use the Port to bring in drugs, was not walking around like a tyrant and dictator, did not bring down shame on the Island nor did he drop down on his knees with his hands in the air mocking God. Kye and his delegates will be just fine. Just wish them safe travels back. The Feds got the person they had their eyes on. This is just me but I think Andrew’s **** should have been sitting in a jail cell waiting to be sentenced as well. Was she involved in the mess also and benefited from the blood money?
The silent parrot benefited from and had knowledge of the wrongs that Fat Albert was doing. Of course the silent parrot benefitted from the blood money. POLLY WANT A CRACKER? AARK.
Stop off at South Florida correction centre to have a chat with Head Coach and get some tips on doing business in Miami
Too shame
That no voter new about
I hate to be negative this is a good thing!!! But we need to put more effort into our infrastructure and cleanliness which I believe will also go a long way.
I wonder if R.S gone on this trip? I hope they get to go see the Hon. God of the Universe. Hope they come back before the 22nd because strange things happen on that date.
What’s hurting is you know she told on Andrew rven before Maynards smh.
We need another cruise ship Pier. Keep up with the trend and stoo being naive. Over night visitors are coming decreasingly popular as cruising increases, its all about more and value for people’s $$$ and the cruise offers that..Cruise is the future..To be honest it put provides more people with food on their table than over night stays..We need over night, keep the hotels up and running, but yachting and cruising is the new trend..
The current rendition of bareboat charterers is contributing little to the local businesses. Floating winnebagos in the campground. Even packing food in their suitcases rather than but local. Restaurants don’t see sailors anymore, except from crewed charters. Go Cane and look at nightly entertainers singing to empty tables.
Land based overnight folks spend the money. Cater to them. Tempt them to stay longer. Eliminate hotel tax over 10 days, they spend plenty.