Tourism bouncing back; 120 boats promised for November

One of the British Virgin Islands’ main economic pillars, the tourism industry, will reopen for business as early as November, said Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr D Orlando Smith.

He made specific mention of boat chartering services in the territory.

“Despite losses, charter companies are already working to ensure guests enjoy the sailing capital of the world this coming tourist season. By the end of November, at least one property had made it clear that they will have 120 boats in the water. I have no doubt that others will do the same,” Dr Smith said today.

The tourism minister stated that the industry was suspended after a catastrophic hurricane, Irma, hit the BVI. Another Category 5 storm, Maria, passed near the territory two weeks after.

“After an initial assessment of damages done, all marketing efforts were suspended and the [tourist] board continues to [focus] its efforts on supporting and speaking with tourism stakeholders locally as well as monitoring and responding to media coverage globally.”

According to the Premier, tourism accounts for one in four jobs in the BVI.