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Tourist influx account for largest share of all holiday arrivals

-Premier says 1,080 out of 2,315 total arrivals were tourist visitors as of Dec 23, 2020
Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has revealed that some 2,315 persons came to the territory since the December 1, 2020, re-opening of VI’s borders, with the largest single share being tourists. Photo: VINO/File
The Premier made the announcement on Thursday, December 24, 2020, in a statement on the territory moving forward with the pandemic as the holiday season takes precedent in the lives of Virgin Islanders. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The Premier made the announcement on Thursday, December 24, 2020, in a statement on the territory moving forward with the pandemic as the holiday season takes precedent in the lives of Virgin Islanders. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has revealed that some 2,315 persons came to the territory since the December 1, 2020, re-opening of VI’s borders, the single largest share being tourists.

Hon Fahie made the announcement on Thursday, December 24, 2020, in a statement on the territory moving forward with the pandemic as the holiday season takes precedent in the lives of Virgin Islanders. 

466 residents returned during period 

As of December 23, 2020, Hon Fahie said, “The numbers consists of 1,081 tourist visitors, 121 work permit holders, and 466 residents. The interest has been high for persons wanting to come to the BVI and the outlook remains for a positive trend in 2021 as long as we maintain our control over the Coronavirus situation on our shores.”

Speaking on the gains of the territory regarding navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the Premier said what the VI achieved over the past nine months and continuing is the direct result of collective efforts among all Government agencies, business operators and citizens.

“This is so, whether it is through the development and implementation of health protocols or the simple acts of wearing face masks, washing and sanitising hands, maintaining physical distancing or managing the size of gatherings.”

All should be proud of what VI achieved - Premier 

He said given the gains, all in the VI deserve to feel proud at the accomplishments of the Government and its people.

The Premier noted that at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, measures remain in place to ensure the health and safety of the people and the economy is on the forefront, pointing to the newly opened Welcome Centre, which serves as an in-transit lounge for persons.

“As you know, we have a controlled process for persons arriving into the Territory, and there is continuous monitoring of the lounge to ensure that those patronising the facility have a wonderful experience and that people are moving swiftly through the lounge.” 

Hon Fahie reminded that COVID-19 did not come with a playbook and that every country is writing its own playbook, as is the case with the VI identifying what protocols and processes work in its unique situation.

20 Responses to “Tourist influx account for largest share of all holiday arrivals”

  • Win (27/12/2020, 12:11) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply

    Go to see tournists being the majority, Marlon them don't want to hear this. 

  • What’s Up With THAT? (27/12/2020, 12:36) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    No mask on Tourist Chick or Customs and Immigration Agent?
    • PICTURE (27/12/2020, 14:32) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
      This picture has been used for months & months & months..... VINO was using it before COVID-19 so there was no mask requirement way back then. VINO, it's time for a new picture!
    • :) (27/12/2020, 14:36) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      Ok, notice the credit for the picture says "VINO/File" that means that the picture came from VINO's file archive. They would put something like "team of reporters" if it was a picture of the current scene that relates to the topic.
    • tom (27/12/2020, 19:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The photo could be one taken before the COVID19 Pandemic.
    • Norris Turnbull (28/12/2020, 06:58) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      We're you ther to see the immigration because that person face is turned from the camera. Wow. No mask does not look good at the POE.
  • Ghost (27/12/2020, 12:42) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am wondering if this is a recent pic seeing that neither tourist nor the “officer” next to her is wearing a mask..
  • WEW (27/12/2020, 13:25) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    old picture
  • facts (27/12/2020, 15:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I love vino they seems the only site that is 24 hours seven days a week...we get news even on Christmas day
  • Curfew (27/12/2020, 16:33) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    What is the sense of this curfew, get rid of it
  • Rubber Duck (27/12/2020, 17:58) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    In 2016 we had over 400,000 overnight tourists. That would be 40,000 per month over a ten month season. We have had around 1000 this month if you believe the figures. It is hardly an “ influx “ . Trickle more like.
    • @rubber duck (27/12/2020, 20:36) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      It is an influx under the present circumstances. To compare now to 2016 shows how ridiculous you are. 2016 we had no Covid 19.
      • Rubber Duck (28/12/2020, 04:46) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
        Tell that to the hotels, charter companies, restaurants and the like going bust. The government crowing there is an “ influx “ of tourists is like Emperor Fahie fiddling while BVI burns.
    • wow (27/12/2020, 20:41) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      We're in a Pandemic Rubber dummy, strupssss
  • @ rubber duck (27/12/2020, 20:45) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Rebooting the economy is gonna be a timely process we cant expect or compare things to pre-pandemic level. With continued good management the trickle will increase to a steady flow with the opening of the sea ports. Lets be thankful that we are still here and the pandemic has not been as devastating to our health as other places. Kuddos to the Health Ministry and team. Sing the song of the three little birds.
  • Norris Turnbull (28/12/2020, 07:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    Rubber d**** sometimes you make reasonable points but on this one u are talking hog wash..

  • Stop! (28/12/2020, 10:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop people from Britain entering!! they have a mutant virus! We need to block the UK, EU and USA.
    Only down islanders welcome!!!
  • pinky (29/12/2020, 08:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    yall are like so eeeeeeew


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