Islands to host record number of delegates

British virgin islands by Candida Brasnett

Islands to host record number of delegates

BVI enjoys 11.5% rise in UK visitors

Michelle Bach, the new UK regional manager for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, will be hosting a record number of exhibitors from the islands at Earl’s Court this year.

Led by BVI Tourist Board chairman, Gordon Stanley, and director of the board Anne Lennard, the group includes a range of hoteliers, tour operators and ground handlers.

UK visitor figures to the BVIs topped 14,500 last year – an 11.5% rise on the previous year – and Bach is expecting this figure to increase by the end of this year.

“The number of UK visitors to the BVIs has seen a steady increase since 1991, when the tourist board embarked on a more proactive marketing profile,” said Stanley.

“Last year’s significant rise is testament to the increasing public awareness of the BVIs and all it has to offer,” said Bach.

BVI hoteliers in particular will be keen to update the trade this year on a number of refurbishments and expansions taking place.

These include popular Biras Creek – which started renovating its guest bathrooms in September – and the Sugar Mill Hotel, which has added two plantation suites to its property.

In addition, Port Recovery is set to expand its complex in the near future. The resort has acquired land on the east side of the existing property and has plans to build a number of new oceanfront villas.

There will also be news of the ongoing improvements at the renamed Terence B Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island.

The refurbishment entails several projects, including a larger terminal building, an improved baggage handling system and upgraded security and immigration facilities.

On the tour operator side, the BVIs has one new specialist operator, Exsus Travel, featuring several of its resorts.

Meanwhile, British Airways Holidays has added two new properties to its BVI portfolio, Peter Island and Bitter End Yacht Club.

Up-beat attitude: the BVIs Tourist Board’s hard work has paid off