Tourist arrival numbers are still outstanding for the second quarter of this year even as the third quarter draws to a close, according to BVI Tourist Board Director Sharon Flax-Mars. Photo: VINO

“We haven’t gotten second quarter numbers from DPU yet, we’re chasing them for those numbers actually…” the Director stated. She noted that no indication could be given as to when the numbers would become available and offered that she is anxious to receive them since they are overdue. Photo: VINO/File

The numbers, which offer a guide as to the amount and types of visitors to the Territory over a given period, are expected to be provided by the Development Planning Unit (DPU).

“We haven’t gotten second quarter numbers from DPU yet, we’re chasing them for those numbers actually…” the Director stated. She noted that no indication could be given as to when the numbers would become available and offered that she is anxious to receive them since they are overdue.

Statistics show that over 750,000 tourists had visited the Territory’s shores in 2012, a reduction from over 830,000 for 2011 that showed a decrease of nearly 80,000 visitors.

However, the Director expressed confidence at a stakeholders meeting held last month in Virgin Gorda that figures for this year had indicated reason for optimism in suggesting that 2013 would be a better year.

She opined that marketing was an essential tool in attracting visitors to the Territory and indicated that several measures were underway to enhance the Territory’s visibility in other jurisdictions such as the United States and South America.

Calls to the Development Planning Unit to confirm a possible date that figures may become available were unsuccessful. The Unit’s recently released 2012 Annual Report had disclosed that shortfalls in staff numbers among other deterrents had been responsible for delays in issuing census statistics. It is, however, not clear if this is also to be blamed for the delay in the issuing of tourist arrival numbers for the second quarter of 2013.