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VI is No.1 tourism destination in Caribbean- US News & World Report

The Virgin Islands (UK) has been ranked number one on the list of best places to visit in the Caribbean by US News and World Report. Photo: VINO/File
Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus has encouraged the Virgin Islands community to ‘explore their own backyard and enjoy our idyllic islands and seas’ by booking Staycation packages. Photo: VINO/File
Director of Tourism Sharon Flax-Brutus has encouraged the Virgin Islands community to ‘explore their own backyard and enjoy our idyllic islands and seas’ by booking Staycation packages. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The 2017-2018 US News and World Report Best Vacation rankings recently announced the Virgin Islands as number one on their list of best places to visit in the Caribbean.

The US News and World Report recognised the Virgin Islands as “the epitome of Caribbean luxury.”

In an exclusive interview with Mark A. Johnson, a tourist from New York, stated that this is his first time in the Virgin Islands and he is “loving every minute of it.”

“I am from New York where it gets really, really cold and to come here in the warmth of the islands; it’s the best feeling in the world,” said Mr Johnson.

He further commented that he will definitely be coming back and recommend that his friends visit as well.

Speaking with Maria M. Lewis, another tourist pointed out that she has been vacationing in the Virgin Islands for the past three years, noting that she might have to take up residency in the territory.

“Every time I come here, it’s like I always have a new experience. I absolutely love to come during the summer time, that's why I'm here right now.”

She further stated that she admires the culture of the Virgin Islands and she especially loves to eat Johnny cakes and chicken.

Ms Lewis also told our news reporter that she likes to drink local drinks such as tamarind, mauby, passion fruit and soursop.

Locals encouraged to enjoy VI too

Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism said, “It's always a thrill to be recognised as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean region and we are overjoyed to have ranked number one on the US News list of best places to visit.”

She continued, “Travelers come from near and far to experience our sparkling shorelines and world-class amenities. As we welcome guests we also encourage our BVI community to explore their own backyard and enjoy our idyllic islands and seas. There is no better time to book a Staycation within the BVI for the ultimate escape.”

Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke were featured on the list of 'Top Islands in the Caribbean'. Virgin Gorda was ranked at number four, while Jost Van Dyke was at number ten.

In addition, Guana Island earned the number nine spot on the list of Top 25 Resort Hotels which offers guests private island luxury and six pristine beaches.

12 Responses to “VI is No.1 tourism destination in Caribbean- US News & World Report”

  • paid for (14/08/2017, 09:44) Like (9) Dislike (29) Reply
    Fake news this cant be true!
    • hush!!! (14/08/2017, 12:37) Like (22) Dislike (30) Reply
      I'll bet you ain't from here...
      • "Cougar XR-7" (14/08/2017, 17:26) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
        @hush!!!. Enough of your snide remarks. One who says that another person isn't from here, clearly tells others that you yourself aren't from here either.
        • hush!!! (15/08/2017, 09:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          @"Cougar XR-7", I said that to say that it's people that make those type of comments are usually the ones who are living here and have no real interest in this country other than what they can do to fill their pockets... They always call down the country and compare the BVI to where they come from. They never have anything positive to say about this lovely place!
  • dog (14/08/2017, 11:10) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
    And all this without a new airport or big fancy concrete hotels and things people THINK that tourists want.
    There have been many awards given VI over the past years because like one visitor says, they like the "authentic experience" of eating johnny cakes, the natural environment etc. Looking like Miami, Dubai, PR, or anyplace generic, will only chase those looking for peace and quiet away. If it ain't broken don't fix it. What can be done is upgrade wifi, clean brush and trash, cheaper groceries, keep beaches clean and empty- not vendors for a mall on the beach. People don't go to the beach to shop. This is proof. (too bad daily quality of life is challenged by cruise ship crowds at times).
  • VG Resident (14/08/2017, 14:57) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The road to south sound is still closed. Costing the villa owners lots of cash since we cannot rent.
  • To Ms. Flax-Brutus (14/08/2017, 15:35) Like (5) Dislike (25) Reply
    There you go.... ---BVI---. I try to tell them that's our brand "BVI" don't need anything else. Think BVI think exotic views ..... think BVI think warmth and beauty.... think BVI think private beaches.....
    think BVI think great food..... think BVI think expensive but worth it .....
  • Set of Haters (14/08/2017, 20:55) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I cannot believe that the comment to the Director of Tourism(To Ms. Flax-Brutus) garnered 21 dislikes! These freaking people are so full of hate and negativity that they jump at every opportunity to spew it. Like you all haven't changed after the devastation of last week. Go ahead people, God is looking on and taking note.

    If its one thing I would welcome is when the Minister of Education censor the media and stop all of this blogging. Our country needs HEALING people, "Who got glass house don't throw stones." "When you see your neighbor house on fire you wet yours." " When the rain falls it don't fall on one man's house just remember that."
  • E. Leonard (14/08/2017, 21:03) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Splendid recognition of the VI brand by the US News and World Report for being one of the top vacation spots. Aditionally, the personal, positive feedback from visitors is priceless; it is the best form of advertising. The unspoiled environment and noncrowding experience is a major draw. To maintain and sustain its brand, it (BVI) must invest in and maintain its infrastructure, i.e., water, sewage, electricity, road, drainage, telecommunication, transportation( ferry); improve service delivery, expand and improve attractions, increase on-shore entertainment, put more heads in beds, arrest rising crime, pursue quality, not necessarily quantity; increase availability of local products, protect and preserve environmental resources.........etc.


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