| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 03/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 49 |
| Copyright: Other |
Market update by Helen Arnold
BVI play on old-fashioned appeal
The British Virgin Islands may not have a wild night life to attract visitors, but the islands’ newly appointed tourist board regional manager Michelle Bach believes the slightly old-fashioned uncommercial feel to the 50 islands that comprise the BVI is still one of its biggest selling points.“The BVI are relatively underdeveloped,” she said. “Tourism arrived comparatively late and, as a result, there are no high-rise properties or hotel chains. There is virtually no crime and you are safe to walk about day and night.”
An increasing awareness of these attractions has prompted a growing number of UK visitors to the BVI – the number of UK arrivals topped 14,500 last year, an 11% increase over 1998. There has also been a surge in the number of visitors to the BVI in spring and summer – the low season – when prices are typically 15% less.
“For British visitors, these low seasons mean great value because you still get good weather conditions,” said Bach.
Another big attraction of the BVI is the sailing opportunities, something which the tourist board is keen to promote. Crewed yachting is an activity the board wants to encourage UK visitors to consider.
“This is a concept which for some reason isn’t popular among UK visitors yet,” said Bach. “I think the British tend to regard sailing as a fairly basic activity. However, some of the yachts we can offer clients are really luxurious.”
It is possible to hire a top of the range 66ft yacht for six people, with a crew who will cater to the clients’ every whim, for around $13,000 a week with food and drink.
With 15 national parks, a rainforest and protected reefs and wrecks, eco-tourism is something else which the tourist board is pushing.
“There are fantastic diving opportunities around some of the old wrecks,” said Bach.
UK tour operators have seen a steady increase in demand for the BVI. Caribtours managing director Catherine Leech said: “We have noticed that more families are choosing the BVI, appreciating the laid-back atmosphere, high standards of the resorts and the excellent water sports facilities.”
Hayes and Jarvis is introducing flights on Air 2000 into St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for clients staying on the BVIs. Previously, they flew via Puerto Rico or Antigua and got a connecting flight. Now passengers will transfer from St Thomas to Tortola on the BVIs by ferry.
Caribbean product manager Paul Sheilds said: “It will make the islands more accessible. Visitor numbers are pretty small compared with other islands but the numbers will go up.”
No problem: the BVIs are known for their laid-back approach