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BVI Yachting Hotel & Tourism Association forges strategic alliance with Gov’t

Demonstrating their shared resolve towards advancing the Virgin Islands' tourism product, the BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIYHTA), and Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) held dialogues on advancing the industry. Photo: Facebook/File
Following a meeting on Thursday, February 22, 2024, the newly formed BVIYHTA said the dialogue marked a milestone in their effort to build partnerships towards strengthening the tourism industry. Photo: Facebook/File
Following a meeting on Thursday, February 22, 2024, the newly formed BVIYHTA said the dialogue marked a milestone in their effort to build partnerships towards strengthening the tourism industry. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Demonstrating their shared resolve towards advancing the Virgin Islands' tourism product, the BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIYHTA), and Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) held dialogues on advancing the industry.

In a meeting on Thursday, February 22, 2024, the newly formed BVIYHTA, said the meeting marked a milestone in their effort to build partnerships towards strengthening the tourism industry.

“The Premier was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, Mr Joseph Smith-Abbott, further signaling his commitment to implementing solutions towards an invigorated and resilient tourism industry,” the association said in a press release.

Meanwhile, the BVIYHTA was represented by several members of its interim Board of Directors including chairman Mr Clyde Lettsome and Mrs Sharon P. Flax-Brutus, the organisation’s Executive Director.

'Cultivating robust relationships'

The discussion touched on the shared mission to cultivate robust relationships between the government and industry stakeholders with key topics including the establishment of the new Ministry of Tourism and opportunities for long-term collaboration, a national strategic tourism plan, the VI's competitive positioning within the region, and concerns related to crime impacting the tourism sector.

“The Premier expressed his satisfaction with the meeting’s outcome. “The vision which I have shared with my new Ministry is an ambitious and exciting one. As a destination, we continue to have all of the elements necessary, particularly in our natural resources and our people, to remain a first-choice destination internationally,” the BVIYHTA said while adding that the premier committed his support to the BVIYHTA.

“The collaborative spirit exhibited during the meeting reflects a positive step forward for the BVI's tourism product and marketing efforts. The BVIYHTA looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the government, particularly the new Ministry of Tourism, to navigate challenges, leverage opportunities, and collectively propel the Territory's tourism industry to new heights.”

Chairman of the BVIYHTA, Mr Clyde Lettsome said, “The BVIYHTA is immensely grateful for the Premier’s commitment to the tourism industry and his keen support for the Association. In meeting with our interim board, he has demonstrated his intentions to work with industry stakeholders, our members and prospective members, to invest in, and facilitate, the growth of BVI’s tourism product at the national level. We, in turn, pledge to bring our collective experiences, resources, and perspectives to bear in shoring up his agenda for the future of BVI tourism. Tourism is everyone’s business.”

12 Responses to “BVI Yachting Hotel & Tourism Association forges strategic alliance with Gov’t”

  • one eye (28/02/2024, 13:03) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everyone looking there 3 minutes
  • qc (28/02/2024, 13:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fast forward to 2025 and let’s have a good look at what is going on:
  • HMMM (28/02/2024, 14:38) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is there a representative for the bareboat charter industry which brings the largest number of overnight visitors? I see crewed yachts are represented.
  • Govt don't Listen.. (28/02/2024, 15:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Whats the plan for Mega Yachts. We need a Dock for them..? Why. So we can easily re-stock them with groceries and other stuff they may need... once dock its part of protocol for them to get local security..These are rich people we need to put things in Place to get some of that Money...Someone said extend and strengthen road town Dock and build a Board walk to craft a live. Sounds good to me...But. this Govt, don't listen...unless the idea don't come from some of the powerful know it all insiders... We in trouble..
  • WTF (28/02/2024, 15:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who does this group represent? Who are their members?
  • NO NOT ONE FOR THE YEAR (28/02/2024, 16:24) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    UP TO YET NO MEETING WITH THE THOMAS IN SEA COWS BAY
  • Hotelier (28/02/2024, 18:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I do t know anyone who is a member of this. Who do they represent?
  • lol (28/02/2024, 21:47) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    usual cowbirds
  • lol (29/02/2024, 07:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I can do is LAUGH!!!!!!!!! SMFH!
  • exclusive (29/02/2024, 07:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this an exclusive group representing the Tourist Industry. I am a major stakeholder and know nothing about this group or what they represent. Why is it only this small group of no it alls trying to speak for the indudrry? Why are not all the stakeholders invited? Hmmmm....
  • Well Suh (29/02/2024, 08:28) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pony tail man got his fingers in a next pie. I even saw hime standing behind pastor Cline when I went a funeral. Is a thing this man can touch?
  • HAHAHA (29/02/2024, 11:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    who are these wh*** people?



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