Caribbean tourism officials are urging the U.S. government to exempt the region from proposed port service fees targeting Chinese-made or flagged vessels, warning the measures could significantly harm an industry vital to both economies. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association submitted recommendations to the U.S. Trade Representative regarding the proposed fees of up to $1.5 … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has declared his recent Asia Mission trip a success, highlighting key achievements in strengthening the British Virgin Islands’ relationship with the Greater China market and exploring new opportunities in Southeast Asia. Speaking in the House of Assembly on Monday, February 24, Premier Wheatley outlined how … Continued
Rosewood Little Dix Bay has secured the top position in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hotels in the British Virgin Islands” rankings, leading a list of prestigious properties across the territory. The annual rankings, which focus on luxury accommodations, require properties to maintain at least a 4- or 5-star rating and gather a minimum … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands has confirmed that BVI citizens travelling on British Overseas Territories (BOTC) passports do not require visas to enter Guyana. This clarification follows recent concerns after a BVI national was reportedly denied entry and asked to obtain a visa upon arrival. According to a statement from the Premier’s Office, officials … Continued
Smith’s Ferry Services has expanded its fleet with the launch of a brand-new vessel, ‘I Legend’, unveiled during an official ceremony at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The vessel, named in honour of the company’s late founder, Captain Ira Smith, marks another significant milestone in the company’s efforts … Continued
Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Junior Minister of Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith recently spoke on their expectations for tourism in 2025. They were at the time at the recently held Tourism Summit on the newly reimagined Peter Island Resort. Hon. Hodge Smith identified areas of target focus areas within … Continued
Opposition Leader Hon. Ronnie Skelton challenged the government’s celebration of record tourism numbers, arguing that the territory’s high proportion of cruise ship visitors overshadows more economically significant overnight stays. The criticism comes as the Virgin Islands marks a milestone of 1,092,139 tourist arrivals in 2024, a 9.8% increase from 2023. While cruise visitors accounted for … Continued
The two-day Tourism which concluded last week has been hailed a success and a step in the right direction. Some 160 stakeholders joined in the summit which featured local, regional and international speakers. The first of its kind has been hailed by Junior Minister of Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith as a catalyst for the industry. … Continued
SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ended in destruction Thursday after achieving a rare booster capture, marking another dramatic chapter in the development of the world’s largest rocket. The spacecraft, carrying 10 dummy satellites, broke apart approximately eight and a half minutes into flight after its engines shut down one by one during ascent. The last … Continued
The Virgin Islands welcomed more than one million visitors in 2024, marking only the second time the territory has achieved this milestone since its first million-visitor year in 2016, Premier Natalio Wheatley announced. Tourist arrivals reached 1,092,139 in 2024, representing a 9.8% increase from 994,896 visitors in 2023, according to the Central Statistics Office. The … Continued
