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BVITB seeks to use Staycation packages to boost Lobster Fest - Director

BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) Director, Mrs Sharon Flax-Mars has expressed hope that the Staycation packages on offer would encourage tourists and locals alike to attend the Anegada Lobster Festival scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend later this year. Photo: VINO/File
According to the BVITB’s website, the Anegada Lobster Festival event is being billed for November 30 – December 1, 2013 while BVI Restaurant week is scheduled to run from November 22 - December 1, 2013. Image: bvitourism.com
According to the BVITB’s website, the Anegada Lobster Festival event is being billed for November 30 – December 1, 2013 while BVI Restaurant week is scheduled to run from November 22 - December 1, 2013. Image: bvitourism.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) Director, Mrs Sharon Flax-Mars has expressed hope that the Staycation packages on offer would encourage tourists and locals alike to attend the Anegada Lobster Festival scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend later this year.

Speaking with Virgin Islands News Online, Mrs Flax-Mars said the BVITB would be reaching out to local properties to assess the booking levels for the Staycation period to determine whether they have experienced any increases.

She noted that what would be telling for the Board is what occurs between the current period immediately following the just concluded Emancipation Festival and December when Staycation packages are expected to expire.

The BVI Staycation programme was launched for its fourth consecutive year in April 2013 with a view to offering residents an opportunity to take a break from the routine of their day-to-day lives to vacation within their own destination, according to the Tourist Board’s Niche Marketing Manager, Ms. Lynette L. Harrigan.

“I know quite a few of the properties in Virgin Gorda are going to be closed,” Mrs Flax-Mars related. She was hopeful that when the properties reopened in mid-October, they would still have the Staycation packages in place

“We’re hoping to use some of these same [Staycation] packages to traffic [persons] to Anegada for the Lobster Festival and for Restaurant Week,” she disclosed.

She further stated that it was hoped that property owners encourage persons to have weekend vacations in order to increase their numbers. According to the BVITB’s website, the Anegada Lobster Festival event is being billed for November 30 – December 1, 2013 while BVI Restaurant week is scheduled to run from November 22 - December 1, 2013.

14 Responses to “BVITB seeks to use Staycation packages to boost Lobster Fest - Director”

  • mother hen (19/08/2013, 13:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope it’s a success but keep politics out of it!!
  • Yes (19/08/2013, 14:02) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ha, you will be going Anegada to eat imported lobster!
  • Price Check! (19/08/2013, 15:12) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    These Staycation prices are MURDER! I called to get a price and I nearly drop my phone!

    I had to tell the lady that is not a Staycation, that's CHASEcation!
  • tell the truth (19/08/2013, 15:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this for the locals or for overseas visitors?
  • cnn (19/08/2013, 16:12) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sweet smile but Nothing there!
  • Observer (19/08/2013, 17:11) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I do not want to preempt Mrs. Flax but wouldn't it be prudent to first assess the current level of bookings before the Staycation period kicks in to establish a benchmark then go back at the end to measure? Why are we always putting the cart before the horse? It makes practical sense to determine current levels before the program and after the program to determine its real impact.

    Also, is this Staycation just for Anegada for the Lobster Festival or is it a territory wide initiative. Seems to me that it would make more sense to have it territory wide. Jamaica has an excellent programme every summer that offers low rates for the average Jamaican to vacation in their homeland enjoying all the amenities their hotels and vacation spots have to offer. It should also be mentioned that Jamaica has customer service that is second to none. I suppose they are taught the difference between service and servitude and understand the value of delivering first rate customer service. We could learn a lot from our neighbours if only we try. Remember, humility is a virtue.
  • local visitor (19/08/2013, 17:54) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would thought it would start with a regulated pricing on
    some of the local hotels that have rediculas prices for what
    they are offering starting with their own family hotel.

    Then start promoting reasonable local hotels. Until that
    happens, it aint going no where. sad to say.
  • Cheap (20/08/2013, 07:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    You people know the cost to run a hotel. If you want $50 dollar a night don't come to VG. The hotels have to make a profit too. Educate yourselves as to what it takes torun a hotel. Then you all complain that workers need to be paid more and the minimum wage needs to be increased. This can't be done when the pricing is below cost
  • >*< (20/08/2013, 07:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mrs. Flax Mars is running a good PR campaign but very little in terms of real, tangible or visible results. What is the plan for improving the product??

  • Can't believe you people (20/08/2013, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    That's why Long Bay has to close to renovate and restructure and you all making noise about that. The place is a mess. That's why LDB has to close to renovate. The product is old and worn and you people are complaining. Try to educate yourself about the business.
  • Stimulus (20/08/2013, 14:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with price check, the staycation prices are expensive!
  • stay home (20/08/2013, 19:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stay home if you can't afford it. Don't hang your hat where you can't reach it


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