Uber Soca Cruise to inject up to $750K into BVI — Hodge-Smith
The government anticipates a significant economic boost when the Uber Soca Cruise docks in the BVI next Tuesday, November 18, with projected spending estimated to be between $600,000 and $750,000, according to figures presented during a recent press briefing.
Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith explained that an economic analysis conducted by economist Travis Skeete from the United Nations Development Programme projected that visitors could generate up to three-quarters of a million dollars in local spending during the one-day visit.
The study, which referenced data from the 2024 Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, found that average onshore spending in the BVI had risen from $72.49 per passenger in 2024 to an estimated $100–$120 per passenger in 2025 due to inflation. “We could generate approximately $350,000 to $420,000 in spending,” Hodge-Smith said while noting that the figure could climb to $750,000 overall when indirect and induced impacts are included.
The analysis attributed 60% of spending to direct purchases such as food, taxis, and retail; 25% to indirect benefits such as utilities and logistics; and 15% to induced household income, including vendor wages.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley confirmed that the government has committed $300,000 towards the cruise itself and an additional $100,000 for land-based activities, bringing the total public expenditure to about $400,000. “We had about $300,000, I believe, that goes to the Uber Soca Cruise itself, and I think an additional $100,000 for the land-based activities,” he stated.
The Uber Soca Cruise is the Caribbean’s largest soca music festival at sea and will bring more than 4,000 passengers and an additional 2,000 visitors from another cruise ship scheduled to dock the same day. The half-day visit will include a street tramp through Road Town and a festival-style setup behind the Administration Complex, featuring local vendors, food, and entertainment.
Premier Wheatley said the event provides an opportunity to promote the Virgin Islands to a new audience. “Cruise allows us to introduce passengers to the Virgin Islands, and many return as overnight guests,” he explained. “Six out of 10 persons come as repeat guests or overnight guests.”
Hodge-Smith added that local performers Jougo, Boss, Pascal, and TJ will represent the territory on board, showcasing Virgin Islands music and culture. “By hosting the Uber Soca Cruise, it is anticipated that the economic benefits will be felt throughout the community,” she stated.
The government has also confirmed that no entry fee will be charged to locals attending the performances.
The Uber Soca Cruise was voted Best Cruise Event of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards for the second consecutive year. Its stop in the Virgin Islands forms part of its multi-island 2025 itinerary.
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Local spending does not equal money going back into the treasury. I do not agree with MY tax money being spent on yet another party. FIX THE ROADS.
If anybody actually believes that this activity would drop $750,000 in the BVI while being here for only 5 or 6 hours then I have a unicorn outside that I would like to sell you.
To add to your unicorn, I have a golden egg, signed by Jack himself, from the era of the beanstalk.
If I can get a Government Grant I will take the Unicorn.
This is a big waste of our tax money.
This has nothing whatsoever to do with culture or finding creative ways to benefit the island.
These words by Nawal El Saadawi, sound as a wakeup call to the BVI at this point in time.
“Creativity is not just writing novels or composing a piece of music. Creativity means to revolt against injustice. The revolution against injustice needs creativity. Without creativity we cannot revolt. Creativity means a way of life, a philosophy in life, in your relationship, even in love relationship, you need creativity. In friendship, you need creativity. In any human work or endeavour, you need creativity. And creativity is not just something coming from heaven to few genius people. No, we are all creative. Everybody is born creative — men and women, poor and rich, black and white, Swedish or Egyptian. We are all born creative. But what happens to us is that the educational system kills our creativity. In all countries, I was teaching in the US, United States and their educational system is supposed to be more progressive from Egypt. But I found it the same. It kills creativity because it divides knowledge. It doesn’t give you a holistic vision of the world.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQpBvywipfz/
Cone on now! What are we really doing? We can barely drive on our roads, prices of food going up by the minute, the island in a mess! And we spending tax payers money on this? My God what’s really going on in this place!
They are marching and protesting against all this stuff all this week.
What drug are these people on?
It’s not so much the drug they’re on, but the drug they use to con the public. That being, their concept of culture, to which they add a dose of their concept of religion to sedate the masses.
you let top ppl take you for 100’s of $1000’s be it money losing bad ideas, or cline doing zero for a year and $$$;
looks like you tell the elite you dumb and soft enough to keep tiefin’ from.
divide the $millions by 30,000 and each one of you and your kids gettin robbed for 1000’s.
it dont trouble you?
…. come as repeat guests or overnight guests.”
What absolute baloney!!!
Where did these numbers come from?!
Breaking News:
China just changed divorce law, wives reportedly can’t claim their husbands property after a split.
You can’t get half of anyone’s properties again .
You can only get what you guys achieved together.
I think this is the best law , many men became broke cuz of divorce
Moral lesson : I’ll settle in China.
That’s a lie Pier Park might make money off of fees. Oly food and drinks these cruisers purchasing.
This isn’t a good look for the BVI. Having a kid that’s an * and an * run this country is bad. The is how you can tell something is very wrong. Only him alone running this place. No other politician have a mouth to speak or sense to think. Just sad. It’s really the end of Tortola
Y’all going regret this.Alot of the folks ain’t a custom too cruising let alone behaving.When them buying them bottle of Malibu,mixer and put in them water bottles,you might get them to by some wings..And a lot ppl ain’t taking chance leaving States..Ice ice baby.