International & regional tourism leaders attending 2-day summit in VI next week
This two-day event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development in partnership with the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission and the British Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIHTA), aims to shape the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands.
The summit will officially open on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, featuring remarks from government officials and a keynote presentation by Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director of Sustainable Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). Day one will focus on regional directions, sustainable tourism challenges, resilience, and recovery, culminating in a National Tourism Policy Validation and Stakeholder Alignment Forum. The event will conclude on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The theme of the summit is “Shaping the Future of Tourism in the Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction,” and it will take place at the Peter Island Resort.
Regional & international tourism leaders
According to a release from the government of the Virgin Islands, the summit will feature an impressive lineup of regional and international tourism leaders. Keynote speakers will include Narendra Ramgulam, Adam Ceserano, President of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), Bonnie Borkin Sr, Director of Tourism at Sojern, and Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). These experts play influential roles in tourism development across the Caribbean and beyond.
Permanent Secretary Mr Joseph Smith-Abbott stated, “The summit represents a collaborative effort between Government and industry and reflects a shared commitment to advancing The Virgin Islands as a premier tourism destination. Through this partnership, the organisers aim to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen public-private sector collaboration, and identify practical actions that will support the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry.”
Special session
A special resilience-focused session titled “Building Tourism Resilience in the Virgin Islands: Lessons Learned, Preparedness & Recovery” will also be included in the programme. This timely session will explore how the Virgin Islands can enhance the resilience of its tourism industry in the face of natural disasters and other external shocks, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and subsequent recovery efforts.
Furthermore, representatives from the Department of Disaster Management and other key stakeholders will share insights on disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, business continuity planning, recovery strategies, and collaborative approaches to strengthen the tourism sector's resilience.
BVI Market Connect introduce
A major highlight of this year’s programme will be the introduction of BVI Market Connect: Partner Exchange on June 11. This initiative will serve as a dedicated networking platform, connecting local tourism businesses and stakeholders with the global sales, marketing, and public relations representatives and agency partners of the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission. Leading international tourism experts, including Bonnie Borkin of Sojern and Vanessa Ledesma of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, will also deliver presentations.
The programme will further delve into the growing role of entertainment tourism through a special session examining how culture, events, and unique visitor experiences can enhance destination branding, increase visitor spending, and create year-round tourism opportunities. The summit will conclude with a closing plenary session focused on translating discussions into action and identifying strategic priorities to guide the ongoing development and competitiveness of the Virgin Islands tourism industry.
.jpg)
.png)
Follow Us On
8 Responses to “International & regional tourism leaders attending 2-day summit in VI next week”
Stakeholders are repeatedly invited to discuss challenges facing the tourism industry, but many of the issues are already well known. One of the most pressing concerns is the difficulty local entrepreneurs face when trying to do business. Many British Virgin Islanders report long delays in obtaining Trade Department approvals, permits, and licenses that are necessary to earn a living and grow their businesses.
There is a perception that applications from expatriates and foreign investors are sometimes processed more quickly, while BVIslanders can wait weeks or even months for decisions. Whether that perception is accurate or not, it is damaging and deserves to be addressed transparently.
If the government wants meaningful stakeholder engagement, the discussion should focus not only on tourism development but also on the regulatory obstacles that hinder local participation in the economy. A successful tourism industry depends on local businesses being able to start, operate, expand, and compete without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
The question many people are asking is simple: What has been achieved since the last Tourism Summit, and what concrete actions will be taken to address the challenges that local businesses continue to face?