On September 15, the BVITBFC participated as a title sponsor at the Grandiosity Polo x Jazz Charity Event in Brandywine, Maryland, which attracted over 500 VIPs, including dignitaries and business leaders. Photo: BVITB

The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC) was a major sponsor of the DC Jazz Fest, which drew over 100,000 visitors from August 28 to September 1, 2024. Photo: BVITTBFC

The Night of Luxury event targeted high-net-worth individuals from some of the wealthiest zip codes in the USA, in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Photo: BVITBFC

Led by Safika O'Neal, Business Development Manager for the region, the BVITBFC hosted three key activations and two partner training sessions to increase travel interest for the Winter 2024/Spring 2025 season.

O’Neal, in a press release, stated: “As the US Labor Day weekend signifies the end of summer here in the United States, we delivered the promise of an “Endless Summer” in the BVI. Beyond the typical Caribbean appeal of sun, sand, and sea, we highlighted our phenomenal accommodations, top-tier hospitality, world-class sailing, and exclusive experience, giving the region a glimpse of our unique slice of paradise.”

DC Jazz Fest 2024

The BVITBFC was a major sponsor of the DC Jazz Fest, which drew over 100,000 visitors from August 28 to September 1. Featuring performances from Grammy-winning artists, the festival presented a global jazz experience. As a major sponsor, the VI's presence included a booth at The Wharf’s Transit Pier and a VIP Club activation. Highlights included Painkiller cocktails served at all bars throughout the festival, a shaved ice Happy Hour Painkiller cart to “beat the heat with a sunset treat”, giveaways, airfare sweepstakes, and a promotional video showcasing the Territory. Following a very successful event, the BVITBFC’s plans for next year include bringing a VI-based jazz band to further promote cultural exchange and boost events tourism.

BVI Night of Luxury

On September 11, the BVITBFC hosted an exclusive Virgin Islands-themed event in partnership with Virtuoso travel agency Front Porch Travel. The event targeted high-net-worth individuals from some of the wealthiest zip codes in the USA, in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The event with an exclusive guest list of 87 attendees, featured island-inspired décor, luxury travel showcases, and BVI-themed presentations.

The evening’s theme was Ultra-Luxe Island Hopping through the Virgin Islands as each table at the event was beautifully decorated and included mapped signage for each island including Peter Island, Scrub Island, Guana Island, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada (among many others). Industry partners were at each table to network and provide further details on their property and the destination.

The evening’s highlights included a cocktail reception and one-on-one trade show, a gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning BVI Chef Kenneth Molyneaux of Tropical Fusion, presentations by industry partners and live music by Grammy Award-winning BVI artiste, Kamau A. Georges and Friends.

Seven industry partners collaborated with the BVITBFC for the evening including diamond partners Peter Island Resort and Scrub Island; platinum partners Voyage Charters, Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals, Island Vibe Destinations and Guana Island; and gold partner The Moorings.

The event’s success was highlighted by the sell-out of the Front Porch Travel Girlfriends Getaway, scheduled for November 2025 at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.

Grandiosity Polo x Jazz Charity Event

On September 15, the BVITBFC participated as a title sponsor at the Grandiosity Polo x Jazz Charity Event in Brandywine, Maryland, which attracted over 500 VIPs, including dignitaries and business leaders. The event, which benefited the Black Mental Health Alliance, featured polo matches, live jazz, luxury displays, and a BVI-branded polo gear presentation. The BVITBFC provided a Painkiller Tasting Station and partnered with Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to offer a three-night stay for 2 including airfare as a raffle prize.

Hosted by TV anchor and Emmy award-winning reporter, Tosin Fakile, the event featured a distinguished team of polo players including the famous Miguel Wilson. Among the exclusive guest list was Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, from the neighbouring United States Virgin Islands.

As a title sponsor, the board also branded the Grandiosity polo players' riding gear and presented the winning players with a VI-branded gift.