Cruise passenger arrivals for the upcoming 2023-2024 season are expected to reach record breaking numbers, with a projection of nearly 800,000 passengers likely to grace the territory.
Minister responsible for the BVI Ports Authority, Hon. Kye Rymer, announced the projected figure during a recent session of the House of Assembly.
He said the estimated total stems from an upward trajectory based on the numbers recorded over the last few years.
Rymer said a comprehensive comparison of data from the BVIPA manifested arrivals from 2021, 2022 and 2023 which demonstrates a resilient cruise tourism sector in the BVI
He provided statistics on the passenger arrivals for each month after the reopening of the territory’s borders following the lifting of the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data from the arrivals according to the minister reflected a gradual increase which he said resembled pre-pandemic levels.
The Minister for Communication and Works also revealed the numbers for 2023 up until the end of August, stating that more than 492,000 cruise passengers entered the territory during that period.
Rymer also highlighted the benefits from the projected data, stating that the BVI’s economy is poised to be rewarded handsomely from trickle-down effect.