Roadtown, Tortola - Premier and Minister for Tourism Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE wants to see the environmental consciousness displayed by The Moorings in its expansion initiative emulated.
Speaking at the opening of The Moorings Village and 40th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Honourable O’Neal said it is gratifying to see the careful consideration paid to the environment in the pursuit of development.
“A desalination plant and a laundry operation that uses a special treatment system to recycle water are among the innovations included in the expansion project,” the Premier noted.
He added that “with so much emphasis on the need to preserve and protect the environment, the initiative taken by The Moorings is certainly one that should be broadly emulated.”
The Premier also commended the management of The Moorings for being a good corporate citizen, another example he would like to see broadly emulated. He applauded the company’s collaboration with the Conservation and Fisheries Department and the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in efforts to benefit the wider community.
“Its continued and far-reaching involvement in the local community clearly demonstrates its willingness to contribute to the overall growth and development of the Territory as a whole,” he said.
According to the Premier “it is this kind of leadership, innovation and partnership that is needed if these Virgin Islands are to continuously grow from strength to strength.”
Chief Executive, TUI Marine and The Moorings Mr. Lex Raas thanked Government for working in partnership with the company, noting that without the partnership the expansion would not have been possible.
In his remarks, Executive Director of TUI Travel PLC, the parent company of The Moorings, Mr. Peter Long expressed confidence that with the $15 million expansion project, The Moorings will prove to be a great asset to the Virgin Islands (UK).
Mr. Long said the company spared no effort in ensuring that the expansion project was ecologically friendly. “As a company we are very committed to sustainable development,” he said adding that “our focus on sustainable tourism was paramount when it came to the re-development of Tortola.”
Mr. Long further stated that the company is committed to preserving “the cruising ground and coastal beauty for future generations.”
The Virgin Islands (UK) is regarded as a premier sailing destination and the opening of The Moorings Village is regarded as a welcome attention to the Territory’s tourism product. Tourism is one of the main economic pillars of the BVI and Government is committed to maintaining the Territory’s leadership position as a diverse, upscale niche market destination.
British Virgin Islands News