ROAD TOWN, Tortola- RECENT discussions on the extension of the Tortola Cruise Ship Port docks has prompted a debate among government officials and residents if there is such a thing as too many tourists.
Speaking this morning (Jan. 23) during a Sitting of the House of National Assembly, Premier and Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Hon. Ralph O’Neil addressed the concerns put forth by Opposition Leader Dr. D. Orlando Smith that an extension of the cruise ship dock would bring the level of visitors beyond maximum capacity for the British Virgin Islands.
The discussion originated as part of the Cruise Ship Policy review which continues to be debated in National Assembly.
“The discussion now underway involved looking at the current capacity of the island as to how many people we can accommodate taking into account, our roads, beaches and restaurants among other things,” the Premier said.
He was quick to note however that an extension of the docks did not necessarily mean that only the largest cruise ships would be coming to the BVI with a flood of visitors.
“Obviously Mr. Speaker, the number of ships [allowed at Port] was mainly due to the number of passengers on board. For example…. it might be easier to have four smaller ships in the Territory on every given day with fewer passengers,” O’Neil said.
Since the Premier made his statement this morning, residents of the Territory have been speaking up in local media saying that they are largely against having any more tourists visit because such a move will lead to more congested traffic, crowded sidewalks and destruction of historic lands to build hotels.
However, some stakeholders, such as the nation’s taxi drivers, have argued that the islands’ economy is dependent upon tourism and persons should be accommodating of more visitors as they are typically only there “just for a season”.
British Virgin Islands News