7-stage canopy slide rides newest addition to VI tourism industry
Come Wednesday October 16, 2013 the Virgin Islands will see the official launch of its newest tourism attraction, “Original Virgin Canopy Tour”, owned by Mr John Shirley and operated by a great team of guides and facilitators.
“This is nothing but awesome, we are a small island but we have unimaginable potentials to boost our tourism industry, provide entertainment for our people and in the same time be different in the way we do certain things to attract tourists,” said Bain Husbands.
Husbands was one of the many persons who were fortunate to benefit from the free rides of the seven-stage canopy slides that overlook Johnson's Ghut and several scenic areas of the Virgin Islands.
Over the past two weekends, management offered free rides to a large number of residents as an introduction to the Canopy slide rides. “It’s not that we are testing the lines but we wanted to give our home people, our locals, persons living in the BVI the first opportunity to experience what we have brought to the BVI after waiting for almost three years,” said a Guide, Nailea Foe.
Virgin Islands News Online visited the Johnson's Ghut “Original Virgin Canopy Tours” and was more than impressed having had a firsthand feel of the zip line rides. Having heard of the initiative, it was envisioned to have been a one line zip line but that was far from the reality.
The Virgin Islands may not make it in the world books of countries with great forests and wild life but Mr Shirley and team have proven that the forest that exists has many possibilities for great attractions.
Some things were note worthy from the time of entering the premise, hospitality, friendly atmosphere and the greatest of all being safety and security. “Safety is our number one thing here, we cannot say it more or it can never be over-emphasized, safety, safety, safety, safety,” said Ms Foe.
This was not at all just talk but it was experience at every level of the tour. “We have brought to reality a big dream but it’s something that we see as adding to the tourism product of the BVI, the season is now opening and we are so happy that we have been able to add a new product for tourists to enjoy,” added a very enthused Ms Foe.
She said every staff member has gone through the requisite training and completed the required 200 hours of training and practice. “But training is never enough, this week all the staff will be engaged with the (BVI) Tourist Board for further training. At the end of the day we see ourselves as tour guides and because we’ll be having tourists coming here they would be asking questions that might not necessarily relate to our tours but they may want to know other things about the history of the VI and we will be in a position to answer those questions. That is what this week of training is going to do for us,” related Ms Foe.
The canopy rides do not only give persons overhead slide rides but also provide an opportunity for the enjoyment of nature. After most stages, one has to trek a foot path to the other stage. This gives the opportunity to enjoy some level of fresh feel of nature in between the forested areas. “At one stage I allow others to pass me and I just stood there in the forest to breathe the fresh air, enjoy nature at its best before going on to the next stage of the ride,” said Marcia Malone.
“If you love nature, if you love adventure or if you are simply just looking for something fun to do this is it,” said one young man who declined to give his name as he said he does not want his family to know he was there so he can cheat them in getting another ride. He said his family has planned an outing and the canopy ride is part of it. “After I will let them know I had a firsthand experience before, smart eh?” laughed the young man.
He said persons should see the new innovation as another form of entertainment for VIslanders. “We keep complaining that there is not much entertaining things to do around but entertainment must not only be partying and such. This in itself is great entertainment. When you are done you feel so great you can go home, have a shower, and you are so relaxed. You can focus on your week of work ahead with great comfort. I just love it and recommend to everyone,” he said.
The zip line is opened to persons of all ages, even toddlers and the elderly!
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26 Responses to “7-stage canopy slide rides newest addition to VI tourism industry”
where is the Tourist board when you need them, lol in Columbia?
Shouldnt this have been a release from the tourist board and the photo opp that they love so much?
Good job John, great investment!!