The Virgin Islands (VI) brought the warmth and vibrancy of the Territory to three major UK cities in late October, connecting with travel agents, tour operators, and key industry partners through a series of targeted VI business development events. Photo: BVITBFC

All events were led by Natasha J. Chalwell, Deputy Director of Tourism, and supported by the BVITBFC’s UK business development team. Photo: BVITBFC

The BVITBFC hosted an intimate evening reception at BVI House London on November 4, welcoming travel trade and media representatives alongside VI industry partners and the Territory’s UK and European agencies. Photo: BVITBFC

Culinary highlights were provided by Nyammin’, showcasing beloved Virgin Islands flavours including chicken and beef patties, peas soup shooters, dumb bread with saltfish, curried cauliflower fritters, and the signature Nyammin’ BVI Rum Cake made with Arundel Cane Rum. Photo: BVITB

Special guest Thad A. Lettsome (left), VI Olympian (sailing) based in the UK, shared personal insights into the Territory’s world-class sailing culture, adding a meaningful sporting dimension to the evening. Photo: BVITB

The intimate evening reception at BVI House London opened with welcome drinks followed by a guided rum tasting hosted by Matthew Callwood of the historic Callwood Rum Distillery, producers of the BVI’s signature Arundel Cane Rum. Photo: BVITB

The UK activation culminated in the VI’s participation at World Travel Market (WTM) London, highlighted by a signature VI-themed gastronomic reception featuring Arundel Cane Rum tastings and culinary delights from London-based BVI caterer Nyammin’.

While in London for WTM, the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) also convened a strategic meeting of its European agency partners.

According to a press release from the BVITBFC, all events were led by Natasha J. Chalwell, Deputy Director of Tourism, and supported by the BVITBFC’s UK business development team: Odelcer Hanley, General Manager; Kyle I. Harrigan, Business Development Representative; and Myrvina Jeria, Administrative Coordinator.

BVI Luxury Roadshow UK – Oct 27–29

Over three days, the BVITBFC hosted a trio of luxury dinner events in Bristol, Chester, and London, engaging more than 100 high-end travel agents and tour operators. The roadshow featured destination presentations from the BVITBFC alongside leading BVI industry partners.

“Our primary goal was to reconnect with key travel trade partners and reinforce awareness of the British Virgin Islands,” said Natasha Chalwell, Deputy Director of Tourism.

“We were pleased with the strong turnout, the high level of engagement, and the enthusiasm shown for including the BVI in Caribbean product offerings.”

The road show venues were The Bristol Hotel, Bristol (October 27); The Chester Grosvenor, Chester (October 28); and JW Marriott Grosvenor House London (October 29).

Participating VI industry partners included Bitter End Yacht Club, Guana Island, Oil Nut Bay, and Peter Island Resort.

Each evening concluded with a lively VI quiz, offering attendees the chance to win destination-themed prizes.

European Agencies Meeting – London, November 3

On November 3, 2025, Deputy Director Chalwell met in person with the VI’s UK and European agencies of record.

With all partners assembled for WTM London, the world’s leading travel trade event, the meeting provided an opportunity for the BVITBFC’s international team to meet; and evaluate 2025 regional marketing performance, assess challenges and successes, and align on major initiatives and collaborative strategies for 2026 and beyond.

BVI Gastronomic Reception – London, November 4

The BVITBFC hosted an intimate evening reception at BVI House London on November 4, welcoming travel trade and media representatives alongside VI industry partners and the Territory’s UK and European agencies.

The evening opened with welcome drinks followed by a guided rum tasting hosted by Matthew Callwood of the historic Callwood Rum Distillery, producers of the BVI’s signature Arundel Cane Rum.

Guests sampled four varieties of Arundel Cane Rum while learning about the distillery’s rich heritage.

Culinary highlights were provided by Nyammin’, showcasing beloved Virgin Islands flavours including chicken and beef patties, peas soup shooters, dumb bread with saltfish, curried cauliflower fritters, and the signature Nyammin’ BVI Rum Cake made with Arundel Cane Rum.

Special guest Thad A. Lettsome, VI Olympian (sailing) based in the UK, shared personal insights into the Territory’s world-class sailing culture, adding a meaningful sporting dimension to the evening.

Guests departed with curated gift bags featuring mini bottles of Arundel Cane Rum and premium mementoes from the VI.