Designed to strengthen engagement between the VI tourism industry and its global source markets, BVI Market Connect will deliver fresh market intelligence and practical insights to help local stakeholders grow their businesses. Photo: BVITBFC

This second installment of the series will focus on collaboration opportunities with travel intermediaries like travel agents and tour operators, forging stronger partnerships to attract international visitors to the Territory. Designed to strengthen engagement between the VI tourism industry and its global source markets, BVI Market Connect will deliver fresh market intelligence and practical insights to help local stakeholders grow their businesses.

Unlike Part One of the series, which was held weekly between February and May, the October sessions will run over five consecutive days, with each day dedicated to a key source market: North America (United States, Canada, and the Caribbean), the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy.

Each webinar will feature a presentation from BVITBFC representatives or in-market agencies, followed by interactive discussions and case studies. Sessions will spotlight how best to collaborate with the travel trade (travel advisors and tour operators) in each market, covering the following areas:

• Understanding roles – the differences between travel agents and tour operators, and how each contributes to driving visitation.

• Relationship building – the importance of trust, training, and ongoing communication.

• Product knowledge – ensuring agents have the tools, assets, and accurate information they need to sell the destination and their properties confidently.

• Commercial frameworks – from commissions and contracts to seasonal promotions and packaging.

• Joint marketing – opportunities for co-op campaigns, trade shows, roadshows, and familiarization trips.

• Cultural & market sensitivities- tailoring messaging to different source markets; (eg North America vs. UK vs. Germany) Understanding booking patterns

• Recognition – reward programmes and initiatives to thank and motivate top-selling partners

The sessions will equip stakeholders with actionable strategies to increase international engagement and visitor arrivals.

Commenting on the continuation of the series, Natasha Chalwell, Deputy Director of Tourism, noted: “The first installment of BVI Market Connect set the stage for stronger partnerships and deeper knowledge-sharing across our source markets. This October, we are taking it further by focusing on collaboration and engagement with travel agents and tour operators to ensure that the BVI continues to stand out as a premier travel destination. We invite all our industry partners to join us in this next phase of growth and connection.”

The webinar series is open to all BVI tourism stakeholders, including accommodations, villas, charter companies, attractions, and service providers. Building on the success of the programme, BVITBFC also plans to evolve BVI Market Connect into an in-person event in 2026, bringing together BVI stakeholders and international representatives for one-on-one meetings and expanded collaboration opportunities.

For updates and registration details for the October 2025 webinars, please follow the BVITBFC Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ourbvi or email marketing@bvitourism.com.