Tourism summit to unite regional and global leaders

The Virgin Islands will bring together regional and international tourism leaders next week as the territory hosts a two-day summit that looks to shape the future direction of its tourism industry.

The Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026 is scheduled for June 10-11 at Peter Island Resort and will bring together tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and creatives under the theme, “Shaping the Future of Tourism in The Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction.”

The event is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development in partnership with the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission and the British Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association. 

Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith-Abbott said the summit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across the tourism sector and align stakeholders behind a common vision for sustainable growth and resilience.

“The summit represents a collaborative effort between Government and industry and reflects a shared commitment to advancing The Virgin Islands as a premier tourism destination,” Smith-Abbott said.

“Through this partnership, the organisers aim to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen public-private sector collaboration, and identify practical actions that will support the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry,” Smith-Abbott added. 

Regional and international tourism experts

According to the organisers, the summit will feature several regional and international tourism experts, including Caribbean Tourism Organisation Deputy Director for Sustainable Tourism Narendra Ramgulam, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association President Adam Ceserano, Sojern Tourism Director Bonnie Borkin Sr, and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Ledesma. 

The opening day will focus on regional tourism trends, sustainability challenges, resilience and recovery, while also featuring a National Tourism Policy Validation and Stakeholder Alignment Forum. 

A dedicated session titled “Building Tourism Resilience in the Virgin Islands: Lessons Learned, Preparedness & Recovery” will examine how the territory can continue strengthening its tourism sector against natural disasters and other external shocks. Organisers said the discussion will draw on lessons from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and subsequent recovery efforts. Representatives from the Department of Disaster Management and other agencies are expected to share perspectives on disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination and recovery planning. 

BVI Market Connect: Partner Exchange

Another major feature will be the introduction of BVI Market Connect: Partner Exchange, a networking platform designed to connect local tourism businesses with the Tourist Board’s international sales, marketing and public relations representatives. 

The programme will also examine the growing role of entertainment tourism and how cultural events and visitor experiences can help strengthen the territory’s brand, increase visitor spending and create year-round tourism opportunities. 

The summit comes as the Virgin Islands continues efforts to strengthen its tourism product following the reopening of several major tourism properties and ongoing investments in visitor infrastructure. Tourism remains one of the territory’s leading economic sectors, with government officials repeatedly identifying sustainable growth and resilience as key priorities for the industry’s long-term development.

Registration for the summit remains open until June 5. Complimentary ferry transportation will be provided for registered participants travelling to Peter Island Resort from across the territory.