Members of the public in the British Virgin Islands recently got a deeper look into the upcoming economic study to be conducted by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) on cruise passenger spending patterns in the territory.
The study was first announced by Minister for Communications and Works, the Honourable Kye Rymer, during his attendance at the Seatrade Global Conference earlier this year. This week, Rymer joined representatives from the FCCA and the BVI Ports Authority in an engagement session to provide more details.
The panel reflected on the 2018 cruise tourism figures for the BVI, which were described as “not the best.” However, they expressed optimism about the upcoming survey and stated that work is in progress to improve the situation and boost spending by cruise tourists.
Minister Rymer highlighted the importance of the endeavor, emphasizing the role of the study in gaining insights to attract more cruise calls and increase visitor expenditure in the British Virgin Islands.
The FCCA representatives outlined the methodology and scope of the upcoming study, which will involve surveying cruise passengers at ports of entry to track their expenditures.
The economic study is expected to commence later this year, with findings and recommendations to be presented to local stakeholders and policymakers in the tourism industry.