In excess of three hundred boats nestled in Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda for Xmas in July on July 27, 2019. Photo: Facebook

Partying on the beach at Xmas in July at Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda on July 27, 2019. Photo: VINO

Junior Minister for Tourism Honourable Shereen D. Flax Charles, 2nd from right, converses with guests at Xmas in July at White Bay, Jost van Dyke on July 28, 2019. Photo: VINO

Some of the tourists strike a pose for Virgin Islands News Online at Christmas in July at White Bay, Jost Van Dyke on July 28, 2019. Photo: VINO

The highly supported Xmas in July on July 27-28, 2019 saw the influx of more than a thousand persons, mainly tourists from Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, on Virgin Gorda and Jost van Dyke. Photo: VINO

The event, which has proven one of the biggest in the boating industry, took place at several prime spots in the territory, with the main being at Savannah Bay in Virgin Gorda.

In excess of 450 boats nestled in Savanna Bay, loaded with over a thousand persons for the celebration that transcended language and culture.

The highly supported event also saw the participation of more than three hundred non-boating tourists and persons resident in the territory.

Several organisations including the Rotaractors of Virgin Gorda, supported by the Rotary Clubs across the territory, took the opportunity to spread the hospitality of the VI in the true spirit of Rotary.

Good tourism strategy for summer- Hon Flax-Charles

Among legislators present was Junior Minister for Tourism Honourable Shereen D. Flax Charles (AL), who told Virgin Islands News Online, “The bond that we have with the Puerto Ricans confirms the strategy of the BVITB that regional tourism can play a big part in augmenting our tourism arrivals in the summer.”

Hon Flax-Charles also said it showed the positive effects of departmental as well as public and private sector partnerships.

Supporting the view of Hon Flax-Charles was Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) who told us of a few things that stood out the most for him, including “the high level of promotion and organisation, the high turnout, the festive yet well behaved manner of the attendees, and above all the care they showed for the environment.”

Hon Wheatley noted that all garbage was collected and well disposed of, both at land and sea, and proper anchoring was exercised.

“I must commend the BVI Tourist Board and our border teams for their hard work in making the event a huge success.”

While the main event was held at Savannah Bay, a large contingent of boaters and others headed over to White Bay on Jost van Dyke for the close out party at Ocean 7 Too. This was the first year at that location and according to organisers, “This is likely to be an annual spot for Xmas in July.”

Among those at the closing party was a contingent of over 60 tourists who were part of this year’s Summer Sizzle BVI.