The BVI’s tourist season is off to a positive start for the 2022/2023 season with 40,950 arrivals over the past two months which includes a vast increase of locals returning to the territory.
This is according to preliminary information from the Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley which shows that the total arrival figure represents a 70 percent increase when compared to the same period in 2021.
Speaking on the arrival of locals into the territory, Premier Wheatley said the data also showed a 61 percent increase in belonger arrivals when comparing the figures in 2022 and 2021.
He said, “Incoming visitors for November 2022 totaled 17,523 compared to 10,759 in 2021, and incoming belongers totaled 5,834 in November 2022 compared to 2,986 in 2021. Incoming visitors for December 2022 totaled 23,427 compared to 18,098 in 2021, and incoming belongers totaled 7,223 in December 2022 compared to 4,984 in 2021.”
Lots of activity observed
Premier Wheatley also addressed the bulk of activity observed in the territory recently, especially during the recent Christmas holiday period.
“For instance, the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport was very busy with flights coming in and going out. We saw a lot of jets parked at the airport. The seaport in Road Town was also very busy. The Old Years parties at Trellis Bay, Jost Van Dyke and other venues attracted huge crowds, particularly compared to recent years,” he said.
Tourist Board preparing
To ensure that the industry is well equipped and prepared for the continued influx of arrivals for the rest of the season, Premier Wheatley said that he has been informed by the Director of Tourism that the necessary measures are being taken to have the territory ready.
“The Director of Tourism, Mr Clive McCoy, has advised that this year we will continue to see a lot events on the calendar, and these are going to get bigger and better as recovery in the global tourism and travel sectors continue following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” the premier stated.
He added, “The Director has also advised that the BVI Tourist Board will be focusing as well on training in hospitality and other related areas in the industry, especially to improve customer service and visitor experience; and this will be possible as the tourist board has been allocated approximately $10 million in the 2023 Budget.”