ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, April 17th, 2012 – Forging a new direction in Tourism to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry is critically important to the Government of the Virgin Islands.
This was the message by Premier and Minister for Tourism Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE speaking with the media in a press briefing this afternoon.Premier Smith outlined three of many initiatives which are part of Government’s tourism agenda to revitalise and re-energise the sector.
He discussed Government’s approach to improving the airlift to ensure sustainability of the tourism sector; the official opening of Gun Creek, North Sound as a port of entry and the appointment of Mrs. Janice Brathwaite-Edwards as the Tourism Liaison Officer.
In speaking on the topic of airlift, Premier Smith said, improving direct air access to the Territory is important for the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry.
The Premier announced that Government is currently in consultations with local, regional and international carriers to bring on stream commercial jets to fly nonstop directly to and from the United States, Asia and Europe.
“Direct flights to the Territory mean that the industry will become more viable. We want to give those who have invested in Tourism a reasonable assurance that we can get travelers to complete their journey on the same day,” Premier Smith said.
Premier Smith, “We recognise that by providing never before possible access to our tourism product and commercial traffic, we will definitely be propelling our high end tourism sector to levels only limited by imagination of its principals and the tolerance of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Currently, Government is in discussions with LIAT and Cape Air and other local, regional and international carriers to make sure that residents and visitors have direct access to the Territory. Specifically, he said discussions are ongoing to have direct flights between the BVI and Miami and BVI and St. Thomas.
In referencing the Virgin Gorda airport, Premier Smith said currently aviation consultants are conducting an aeronautical study of the facility.
In speaking about Gun Creek, North Sound which was recently declared as a port of entry, Premier Smith said Government sees this area as a catalyst for further development of the Territory’s tourism industry, with a view to stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life in the Virgin Islands.
Premier emphasised that North Sound, which tends to attract high-end visitors, is one of the most desirable vacation locations in the Virgin Islands, adding that Government understands the importance of further developing this area and is currently working towards the official opening of the port of entry on May 18.
The Premier also took the opportunity to discuss the appointment of Mrs. Janice Braithwaite-Edwards as the Tourism Liaison Officer in the Premier’s Office. She will be working closely with the BVI Tourist Board and across ministries to ensure the effective development of the tourism product.
He added Mrs. Brathwaite-Edwards has already started to work with the Ministry of Communications and Works in the revitalisation of the Crafts Alive Market and would be liaising with the Department of Trade on the effective management of the structure. She is also looking at developing amenities for our beaches and is creating policies geared towards beach management; among other tourism related activities.
The Premier concluded by thanking the public for its role in assisting Government with enhancing and revitalising the Territory’s tourism industry.
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