Unity Gov’t wants tourism to thrive in VI – Premier Dr Wheatley
Speaking during a Friday, September 23, 2022, press conference, Hon Wheatley added that in addition to a thriving tourism industry, the goal is also for the economy to be more tourism-led with steps already taken to make this happen.
“First, as Tourism Minister, I will be discussing with the new Chair of the BVI Tourist Board the importance of a short-term plan to guide the growth and development of the sector over the next two years while a tourism master plan is developed to take our tourism product to the next level,” he revealed.
Dr Wheatley detailed that in the meantime, his government is also working diligently to make improvements in areas such as airlift, as well in enhancing the tourism product.
Portfolios under Premier's office
“As a first step, the Culture portfolio has been transferred to the Premier's Office where it will be integrated with the Tourism portfolio. This is the approach of many countries who see Culture as an integral part of their tourism product.”
He continued, “For us here in the Virgin Islands, this will include ensuring our museums and historical sites are properly managed and promoted as tourist attractions, and that the full artistic talent of our people can serve as valuable entertainment to visitors and our own domestic tourism market.”
He added that the Festival and Fairs portfolio has also been transferred to the Premier’s Office, and the Tourist Board will have much more involvement in the planning and marketing of not only the local Emancipation Festival, but all other festivals and fairs year-round.
More talks ongoing - Premier
Dr Wheatley detailed that in terms of airlift, discussions are ongoing regarding flight access to the mainland US with talks looking very promising as well as a plan to engage and consult with industry partners and stakeholders on how local tourism can be boosted.
“We also continue to examine the best means by which to expand the runway at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport and to attract new hotel developments to the BVI. Announcements on progress in these areas will be made in due course,” he said while noting that the VI continues to take part in many regional tourism events.
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23 Responses to “Unity Gov’t wants tourism to thrive in VI – Premier Dr Wheatley”
1 - tell labour to get work permits approved so that businesses can employ enough staff
2 - tell customs to stop messing around people trying to import
3 - tell immigration not to be so rude to people when they arrive, and to process people quickly
4 - drop the ludicrous add on fees that people have to pay when they arrive - especially if they come in from the day from STT for the day
This is Cronyism to the height! Let’s see if he will remove Igwe from over this department again?
Governor please investigate the Culture Department. Please investigate why the Premier is truly moving the Culture Department under ‘his’ direct leadership and what challenges this Department has had for the past couple years with management. You say you strive for good governance Governor, then prove it! Investigate why the staff’s and various stakeholders complaints, has been ignored and marginalized and why.
Please conduct a ‘thorough’ investigation into this matter!
“As a first step, the Culture portfolio has been transferred to the Premier's Office where it will be integrated with the Tourism portfolio. This is the approach of many countries who see Culture as an integral part of their tourism product.”
You would think that all this would have ended with Andrew! Drain the swamp!!
‘They're still silent. That's what makes so many Christians fake.
God is going to flip this whole thing upside down. Watch. The last shall be first and the first shall be last because the ones who are first and buddy buddy don't have a backbone. They won't do anything to mess up connections.
I am going to keep saying it until you guys see the tables being flipped. It's already happening in the Spirit but many folks don't want to see it.’
Marcus Rogers