Participants interact with each other at today's BVI Marketplace event held at the Maria's By the Sea Hotel. Photo: VINO

Kim Mason, a representative of Driftwood Resorts based in Virgin Gorda, said that in addition to merely networking, the event offered an opportunity to meet with persons on a face to face business that normally conduct business with her. Photo: VINO

Owner of the Perfect Pineapple hotel in Jost Van Dyke, Mr Gregory A. Callwood, said that he attended for the opportunity of advertising his business. Photo: VINO

The BVI Tourist Board hosted activity was held in order to facilitate business meeting and networking opportunities with industry partners as well as to promote its summer packages.

The Tourist Board also plans to launch its BVI Staycation programme on site at the hotel at 4P.M. later today. Members of the general public are invited to witness the event.

Premier and Tourism Minister, Dr the Hon. D. Orlando Smith in his opening remarks expressed his excitement about the event and stated that it was an avenue for Government, businesses, tourism industry partners and the people, to work together to create partnerships and build new and existing relationships amongst businesses within the tourism industry.

According to the Premier, his administration would continue to focus on the destination’s strengths in the areas of land based tourism; water based and nautical tourism as well as growing the super and mega yachts sector.

Reflecting on the number of participants in attendance, the Premier expressed that the numbers showed the relevant commitment to the sector.

Owner of the Perfect Pineapple hotel in Jost Van Dyke, Mr Gregory A. Callwood, said that he attended for the opportunity of advertising his business. “With all these people coming in to the country to expose the BVI, as a businessman I’m going to be here… walk with my tools, my brochures, my business cards and let them see what we have going on,” he said.

Premier Smith further stated that, through the Board, Government has been expanding the destination’s calendar of annual events; developing the destination’s potential in the lucrative wedding and honeymoon market and expanding the destination’s advertising and social media programme globally.

Kim Mason, a representative of Driftwood Resorts based in Virgin Gorda, said that in addition to merely networking, the event offered an opportunity to meet with persons on a face to face business that normally conduct business with her. She felt that the closer interaction was more colourful and also enhanced the opportunity to share ideas and to learn from each other.

Premier Smith also encouraged industry partners such as hoteliers, yacht charter companies, and car rental agencies to partner with the BVI Tourist Board in further promoting the local tourism product.

Some of the tourism industry partners that were represented included representatives from Cape Air, Seaborne, BVI Bridal Association, Dolphin Discovery, among others.