(Left to right) Alton Bertie, Mike Rowe, Kim Huish, Jeff McNutt at the 2024 DEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: BVITBFC

BVI DEMA Team interacting with attendees at the 2024 DEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: BVITBFC

According to press release today, November 22, 2024, from the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC), the VI is being represented a dedicated team comprising of Ms Tausha Vanterpool, Business Development Manager, Southwest/West Region, BVITBFC; Alton A. Bertie, BVI Dive Expert and Influencer; and key members of the BVI Scuba Organization, including Kim Huish (Cuan Law), Mike Rowe (Sail Caribbean Divers), and Jeff McNutt (Dive BVI).

The DEMA Show, November 19 to 22, 2024, is the world’s largest trade-only event for diving, travel, and water sports professionals.

Invaluable platform for VI

Director of Tourism Mr Clive L. McCoy said, “The DEMA Show is an invaluable platform for the BVI to solidify its reputation as a premier dive destination.”

The VI’s presence at the show, he added, enables connectivity with key industry stakeholders who play a pivotal role in driving dive tourism to the Territory.

“By fostering these relationships, we aim to raise awareness of the BVI’s exceptional offerings and inspire divers to explore our underwater treasures,” Mr McCoy stated.

While at the DEMA Show, the delegation will connect with dive shops, equipment manufacturers, distributors, media representatives, and travel advisors to strengthen relationships and forge new partnerships.

The release continued that these efforts aim to enhance the promotion of scuba diving in the BVI and position the Territory as a top choice for dive enthusiasts worldwide.

VI’s unparalleled underwater attractions being showcased

The team from the VI will showcase the Territory’s “unparalleled underwater attractions”, the press release added.

These include iconic wrecks, unique artificial reefs, and vibrant marine biodiversity.

At this year’s event, there are over five hundred exhibitors and more than three hundred education sessions taking place with participants from across the world.

The VI delegation hosted a ‘BVI Painkiller Happy Hour’ yesterday, November 21, 2024, as a token of appreciation for the dive community’s support.

The informal gathering provided an opportunity for industry professionals to network, share experiences, and celebrate their mutual love for diving in the VI while enjoying the Territory’s signature cocktail.