The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) has released its Event Sponsorship Support Guidelines & Submission Requirements, which is designed to improve understanding and transparency between event organisers and the Territory’s tourism development goals. Photo: BVITB

These new guidelines outline how the BVITBFC evaluates sponsorship support for events that contribute toward visitor arrivals, destination visibility, and the enhancement of the Territory’s tourism product. The framework is intended to ensure that public investment in events delivers measurable benefits for the destination while reinforcing the British Virgin Islands’ global brand positioning.

“Events play an important role in how the British Virgin Islands is seen and experienced,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism. “These guidelines help ensure our support is focused on initiatives that deliver strong destination storytelling across relevant platforms, create visibility in key markets and encourage people to choose the BVI.”

Under the framework, priority consideration will be given to events that align with the Territory’s key tourism pillars, including sailing and marine excellence, culinary and cultural experiences, sustainable and responsible tourism, luxury and boutique positioning, and authentic experiences.

The guidelines also establish clear submission requirements, including advance timelines to allow for proper review and planning, as well as proposal components that demonstrate tourism impact, marketing reach, and alignment with brand BVI. Approved sponsorships may include a combination of financial support and in-kind marketing and promotional assistance, based on availability and strategic fit. In-kind contributions to the marketing of events will be assessed to determine the overall value of the BVITBFC’s support, recognising that promotional and visibility benefits may equal or exceed direct financial contributions.

Event organisers are required to submit proposals no less than three months prior to the event date and large-scale events at least six months in advance. They are also to clearly demonstrate how their events will attract visitors, generate regional or international exposure and enhance the overall visitor experience in the British Virgin Islands.

The BVITBFC’s event submission guidelines are available on its website via the “Event Submission Guidelines & Submission Requirements” document and the “Other Resources” page. Interested event organisers are encouraged to review the requirements prior to submitting sponsorship requests.