Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, addresses participants of the Tourism Summit at Peter Island on January 16, 2025. Photo: GIS

Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), delivered the charge in her opening address at the Tourism Summit at Peter Island on January 16, 2024. Photo: GIS

Former Director of Tourism Sharon P. Flax-Brutus addresses participants of the Tourism Summit at Peter Island on January 16, 2025. Photo: GIS

Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith (R4), delivered the charge in her opening address, seeking to underscoring for stakeholders present, the importance of adapting to a dynamic global tourism landscape.
“Sustaining our tourism industry requires more than preservation; it demands innovation, capacity-building, and reimagining how we deliver exceptional experiences.”

As such she advocated, “We must” among other initiatives, build the capacity of our people through education and training, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic global tourism market.”

Embracing innovative ideas & modern technologies

According to Minister Hodge-Smith, the revitalisation of the industry demands an embrace of innovative ideas and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance operational efficiency and visitor satisfaction.

Re-imagine tourism by exploring new niches, improving accessibility, and creating inclusive opportunities for all, the minister exhorted, calling on hospitality and other businesses involved in the sector, to elevate our customer service standards, recognising that each interaction is an opportunity to create lasting memories for guests.

Extending a welcome to the summit’s participants and seeking to highlight their role in shaping the discourse, the Minister charged, “Your knowledge and insights will undoubtedly inspire meaningful discussions over the next two days; To our attendees, thank you for being part of this important gathering. Your presence signifies your commitment to the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands.”

Everyone's business

Tourism is everyone’s business, she said, reiterating that “every resident, whether directly or indirectly involved in the industry, is an ambassador for our Territory; Each interaction—from the taxi driver to the hotel concierge—contributes to the overall perception of the Virgin Islands as a premier destination.”

Encouraging active participation in the summit, the Minister called on attendees to “work together to ensure the continued growth and success of our industry.”

Day one of the summit began with an Opening Ceremony featuring the keynote address by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).

The agenda also included presentations by the Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Mrs Dona Regis-Prosper, and Mr Vincent V. Wallace, former CTO Director and Bahamas Tourist Board Director.

On day two, attendees are slated to benefit from a virtual presentation by the Director of the Cayman Tourism Department, followed by an in-person session from a representative of the Tourist Board’s Marketing Agency.