Tourism legislation coming to boost economic growth in 2025
During the Throne Speech delivered by Governor Daniel Pruce this week, tourism was identified as a priority area for legislative reform to drive economic growth and sustain the territory’s cultural identity.
“Tourism is the engine of our economy and leading generator of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Governor Pruce said.
In keeping with this, the government plans to introduce a Ministry of Tourism Bill to provide the legislative infrastructure to make tourism a stronger economic driver. The Bill will define the Ministry’s responsibilities, including regulating tourism activities, developing tourism policies, and overseeing infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the existing Festival and Fairs Act will be replaced by a Festivals and Events Bill. This legislation will establish the BVI Festival and Events Board, tasked with organising and managing festivals to boost tourism and support local businesses.
“The Board will focus on using festivals and events to generate revenue for local businesses, contribute to the BVI brand image, and foster a sense of community by bringing locals together to celebrate their heritage and culture,” Governor Pruce stated.
Amendments are also planned for the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing (CRVL) Act to enhance the BVI’s maritime tourism sector. Changes will include measures to “streamline vessel categorisation, ensure vessel license integrity, promote large yacht presence, and strengthen registration requirements.”
Governor Pruce further explained that these amendments will ensure that the Virgin Islands remains “a leading maritime jurisdiction in the region.”
Finalise regulations for betting and gaming
The government will also focus on finalising regulations under the Virgin Islands Gaming and Betting Control Act, which was initially passed in 2020. Governor Pruce noted that this would “allow for the licensing and enforcement of the law for legal operation of businesses to engage in gaming and betting activities.”
Additionally, reforms to the Immigration and Passport Regulations will introduce new initiatives, including remote and executive clearance options for travellers.
These measures are expected to enhance the territory’s tourism offerings and cater to niche markets.
“This initiative-taking approach will ensure that the Virgin Islands will be well-positioned to manage visa processes efficiently and in full compliance with global best practices,” Governor Pruce said.
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I just hope that there will pay attention to the amount of noise in the BVI. Loud car mufflers, cars with loud music, people cutting yards during the summertime at daylight etc.
Our guest(tourist) have come this far for reasonable peace and tranquility after all that travel to our shores!
Stop over-regulating the tourism industry! Take your knee off our necks! You’re strangling the golden goose! Streamline what you have. Make it work better for the territory and better for the industry. Stop making rules for the sake of making rules!
#wecantbreathe
You want tourism? Start by cleaning up the place, fix the roads and treat visitors with the same dignity and respect you expect others to give you upon arrival instead of the third degree (still after 30+ years of this nonsense). Stop the disdain and stop seeing them as some kind of limitless cash machine. Cater better to the villa rentals and yacht charterers instead of bringing hordes of day visitors, many of which don’t even get off the ship
You want yachting? Please refer to recent piece about how it is difficult to do business in the BVI. You think yachting community forgot about the $ 20k fine meted out to a USVI sailing yacht that crossed into BVI waters with no intention to enter on its way to East part of St. John, despite safe passage agreements?
Gambling? Please…what is the basis for thinking this is going to advance the Territory? It’s not going to attract the desired moneyed classes of Monaco. Besides, it’s regressive and addictive.
It is not government that drives growth, it is private enterprise. Legislation will not drive growth in our tourism economy, but what will drive growth is removing legitlative and regulatory barriers. Please, less legislation and not more.
most travelers don’t mind paying for great vacation experiences, it’s when the when the high cost doesn’t match the experience. Yes, there are a few gems here but overall its mediocre. there are much more convenient experiences and convenience and ease is an aspect of luxury.
tortola have nothing fun for the tourist or residents to do thats why all the locals could do is go clubs, fornicate and mind people business… still gonna happen regardless but with things to do that could be lowered
Oh, the Governor says it, so i guess its OK now.