'There is tremendous potential' for VI as an events destination- Premier Wheatley
The Premier’s statements came during the delivery of his 2024 Budget Speech at the Sixth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) held at Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College campus at Paraquita Bay on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
“There is tremendous potential for the Virgin Islands as an events destination, as we continue to host local annual events such as the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, One BVI Poker Run, Christmas in July, Anegada Lobster Festival, BVI Food Fete, BVI Summer Sizzle, Foxy’s New Year’s Eve celebration,” he said.
Dr Wheatley said the local Music Fest and the addition of 'Taste of Tortola' and 'Taste of Virgin Gorda' to the events calendar, is expected to attract day-trippers and overnighters.
“Worthy to note, Madam Speaker, is that this year is the 70th Anniversary of our Emancipation Festival and we have allocated resources for a grand celebration that will attract visitors and energise our residents,” he added.
The Finance Minister also said direct flights from Miami to the Virgin Islands by American Airlines, and continued operation of the Virgin Gorda Airport, have contributed to the observed increase in overnighters and day-trippers to the Territory in 2023 over 2022.
More than 1M tourists projected for 2024
“The end-of-year tally for overnighters in the Virgin Islands is expected to reach 241,639; a 38.6% increase from 2022. If the trends continue, it was projected that tourism revenue for 2023 could climb to $375.45 million,” he added.
Dr Wheatley said it is anticipated that 2024 would record total arrivals above one million visitors, with cruise visitors reaching almost 730,000, day-trippers just over 16,000, and overnighters around 270,000. Based on these anticipated arrivals in 2024, it is projected that tourism revenue for the Territory could reach $410.77 million.
The Premier said to reap the results, the VI has to promote and market its tourism products.
“Apart from promoting the BVI as a destination for events, substantial gains can also be realised by marketing the Virgin Islands more to luxury brands, and from continued publicity at the Virtuoso Travel Week and Caribbean Travel Market. The BVITB’s partnership with Travel Desk (a data-driven media company) to launch the North American Sail and Stay summer campaign is also likely to have a very positive impact,” the Premier added.
Under the theme ‘Planning, Priorities & Progress - Building a Sustainable Nation’, Dr Wheatley (R7) presented a budget totalling $399,838,963 for 2024.
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27 Responses to “'There is tremendous potential' for VI as an events destination- Premier Wheatley”
Fix the sewage outfall (into the water Right offshore at Slaney - with a big slick resulting for all to see on the Channel)
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