Vendors to benefit from crafts alive market revitalisation

ROADTOWN Tortola BVI,  April 3rd, 2012  –  Cruise Pier and Crafts Alive vendors will soon begin to reap the benefits of the revitalisation of the Crafts Alive Market which according to Minister of Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool will boast improved aesthetics, connectivity to historical Road Town as well as enhanced tourist activities that will increase the marketability of the area.

Honourable Vanterpool made these statements last night during a meeting held with the vendors as part of the Government’s strategic plans to improve the tourism product.

“We have to move forward with this part of the tourism product,” Minister Vanterpool said during his remarks, adding, “When cruise passengers arrive in the Territory, they do not like the appearance. If we want to be in the cruise business we have to be serious, therefore plans and proposals must be put in place to improve the overall visitor experience which includes, shopping, historical sites and beach activities.”

According to the minister, work on the revitalised Crafts Alive Market is scheduled to begin in May and is expected to be completed in time for the 2012-2013 tourism season. The new market will see a number of additions to existing buildings as well five newly constructed buildings which will accommodate an additional 39 new vendor spaces.

In addition to buildings and aesthetic improvements vendors can also look forward to increased volumes of traffic. “The cruise ship port development is proposed to link the city of Road Town and will connect the pier to the Crafts Alive Market,” Minister Vanterpool stated.

He added that he is dedicated to centralising vendor operations in the BVI and unwavering in Government’s efforts to assist vendors in improving their standards of living.

The consensus from the crowd was that they are in favour of the proposed improvement plans and ideas. The vendors indicated by a round of applause that they are comfortable with the plans presented and look forward to the finished product.

The Ministry of Communications and Works will host a public meeting on Monday, April 16 at the Road Town Ferry Terminal where members of the public will be invited to come out and share their opinions on plans that will be presented by the BVI Ports Authority to upgrade their facilities to accommodate the large number of ferry passengers that transit daily. The Crafts Alive Project will be presented during this meeting as well.

Government is committed to the continued development and maintenance of the Territory’s public infrastructure including ports to support cruise tourism to enhance visitor and resident experience.

*************************
DISCLAIMER

This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers