Premier Dr. The Honourable Natalio Wheatley has indicated his intention to create a more tourism-led economy in the British Virgin Islands as he announced the transfer of the Culture and Festival and Fairs portfolios to the Premier’s Office.
As such, Premier Wheatley said discussions have already begun with the new Chair of the BVI Tourist Board on how this can be accomplished within the next two years.
“The Government of National Unity wants to see the tourism industry thrive in the territory and for the economy to be more tourism-led in the future. We are taking certain steps to make this happen. First, as Tourism Minister, I will be discussing with the new Chair of the BVI Tourist Board the importance of a short-term plan to guide the growth and development of the sector over the next two years while a tourism master plan is developed to take our tourism product to the next level. In the meantime, we are working diligently to make improvements in areas such as airlift, as well as enhancing the tourism product”, he explained.
In the interim, the premier said that other steps are being taken to better align the territory to realise this new vision – including the transfer of two relevant portfolios to the Premier’s Office, where they can be better integrated with the Tourism Portfolio.
Wheatley said, “As a first step, the Culture portfolio has been transferred to the Premier’s Office where it will be integrated with the Tourism portfolio. This is the approach of many countries who see Culture as an integral part of their tourism product. For us here in the Virgin Islands this will include ensuring our museums and historical sites are properly managed and promoted as tourist attractions, and that the full artistic talent of our people can serve as valuable entertainment to visitors and our own domestic tourism market.”
“The Festival and Fairs portfolio has also been transferred to the Premier’s Office, and the Tourist Board will have much more involvement in the planning and marketing of not only our Emancipation Festival, but all our festivals and fairs year-round”, he added.
Dr. Wheatley said that the government is also working closely with the relevant stakeholders to enhance transport options, including airlift, which are necessary for the tourism industry.
“In terms of airlift, discussions are ongoing with regarding flight access to the mainland US. Things are looking very promising, and we will update on progress in due course”, he said.
“We also continue to examine the best means by which to expand the runway at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and to attract new hotel developments to the BVI. Announcements on progress in these areas will be made in due course”, Premier Wheatley added.