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Local tourism events to ‘get bigger & better’ in 2023– Premier Wheatley

-as some 23,427 visitors came to VI in December 2022 compared to 18,098 in 2021, according to preliminary data
According to Premier Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), Director of Tourism Mr Clive McCoy has advised that in 2023, the VI will continue to see a lot of tourism events on the calendar. Photo: VINO/File
The [British] Virgin Islands saw some 23,427 visitors in December 2022, compared to 18,098 in 2021, according to preliminary data Photo: Alamy Stock Photo/Daily Mail
The [British] Virgin Islands saw some 23,427 visitors in December 2022, compared to 18,098 in 2021, according to preliminary data Photo: Alamy Stock Photo/Daily Mail
Premier and Minister of Finance, in a ‘One on One’ Press conference, alongside Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), said preliminary feedback suggests that the 2022-2023 tourist season is already off to a positive start. Photo: GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance, in a ‘One on One’ Press conference, alongside Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), said preliminary feedback suggests that the 2022-2023 tourist season is already off to a positive start. Photo: GIS/File
Scene from the 2022 Emancipation day J'ouvert. As the Virgin Islands (VI) continues its rebound from the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic, the territory continues to see increases in the arrivals of tourists in the post-pandemic period which has resulted in a forecast of a bigger and better tourism season for 2023. Photo: VINO/File
Scene from the 2022 Emancipation day J'ouvert. As the Virgin Islands (VI) continues its rebound from the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic, the territory continues to see increases in the arrivals of tourists in the post-pandemic period which has resulted in a forecast of a bigger and better tourism season for 2023. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As the Virgin Islands (VI) continues its rebound from the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic, the territory continues to see increases in the arrival of tourists in the post-pandemic period, which has resulted in a forecast of a bigger and better tourism season for 2023.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), in a ‘One on One’ Press conference alongside Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), said preliminary feedback suggests that the 2022-2023 tourist season is already off to a positive start.

Incoming visitors for November 2022 totaled 17,523 compared to 10,759 in 2021, and incoming belongers totaled 5,834 in November 2022 compared to 2,986 in 2021.

For the December holiday season, he said incoming visitors in that month totaled 23,427 for 2022, compared to 18,098 in 2021, and incoming belongers totaled 7,223 in December 2022 compared to 4,984 in 2021. 

He added that during the holiday period, the VI saw a lot of activity as it related to tourist arrivals.

'Bigger & Better' for 2023

“For instance, the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport was very busy with flights coming in and going out. We saw a lot of jets parked at the airport. The seaport in Road Town was also very busy. The Old Year's parties at Trellis Bay, Jost van Dyke, and other venues attracted huge crowds, particularly compared to recent years.

According to Premier Wheatley, the local Director of Tourism, Mr Clive McCoy, has advised that in 2023, the VI will continue to see a lot of events on the calendar. 

“And these are going to get bigger and better as recovery in the global tourism and travel sectors continue following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he declared.

Premier Dr Wheatley added that Mr McCoy has also advised that the Tourist Board will be focusing on training in hospitality and other related areas in the industry.

He said there will be a focus on improving customer service and visitor experience, made possible through a $10 million budgetary allocation for 2023.

7 Responses to “Local tourism events to ‘get bigger & better’ in 2023– Premier Wheatley ”

  • 2023 (09/01/2023, 09:18) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    all out of government mouth is tourism what about home affairs: we need some form of consumer protection because the prices are up and the quality of what you purchase is not good: tourism, tourism while in 2023 our people have water issues and sewage issues and bad roads

    i have nothing against tourism because I watched that industry develop in from way back when but mr politicians kindly speak up about the matters affecting the people who call this place their home

    put some lights on the public roads while you at it
  • Understand (09/01/2023, 09:57) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    But we have to make sure the raw sewage and the overgrown bushes that is slapping vehicles needs to be fix. If I’m a tourist and visit somewhere that is nasty and looks nasty I will not visit that place again.
    • 2023 (09/01/2023, 10:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ understand

      my country must be kept clean for those that call BVI home and we then share our clean country with anyone that comes here for a visit

      every time there is a conversation about a clean BVI it is always mention of tourist/so only tourists needs to see a clean BVI….keep the place clean at all times

  • Tola Again (09/01/2023, 12:57) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Watch how st.croix carnival going have ya'll running competition after all these years just to update artist line up. Hope ya'll sponsor the car show also where other cars can come from abroad. New n better rides so kids and adults can have fun. More local acts n artist to keep money in country.
  • @ 2023 (09/01/2023, 17:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thar was straight to the ???? POUNT , my respect , and hope the right people got the message , and act upon it ,seriously , with integrity
  • lmao (09/01/2023, 20:32) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    These events are private events with private promoters! Government have no say in these events. You plan to give each of these events hundreds of thousands of dollars before you lose the election in the next 2 months? These events would need to promote and market since last year with a big bang. You and Mcoy sound totally stupid. Can’t believe you repeat the nonsense he sell you.
  • Foreign Investor (09/01/2023, 22:14) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    All I tell the Premier pls Sir don't ever put that Music Festival in Cane Garden Bay. I want it in the C B Romney Pier Park. Thats wear the tourist wanna be. 3 nights event package for $120 per person and $50 nightly person.


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