“I am pleased to say that the Virgin Islands tourism industry is showing some encouraging signs for recovery particularly in the recent months and for this we must say to God be all the glory,” Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) announced on November 11, 2021, during the 2022 budget presentation at the House of Assembly at Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff's Bottom.

The premier said despite the unavoidable restrictions on travel such as reduced airlines and ferry capacities, which apply not only to the VI, the demand for the territory's sun, sand, sea and overall experience remained high.

In spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world and travel, just shy of 38,000 travellers entered the Virgin Islands in the past few months, with the bulk of that figure registered as visitors.

Encouraging figures

“Up to the end of October, just below 38,000 persons entered the VI via the air and seaports, with the vast majority being visitors. With a more aggressive advocacy for mass vaccinations, the reduction of the BVI Gateway fee, and easing of the quarantine period for the fully vaccinated travellers, it is expected that the gradual increase in arrival numbers will continue through the rest of 2021 to reach a projected 46,000 overnighters and day-trippers,” he said.

The territory’s leader said cruise arrivals are also commendable.

“Based on the cruise schedules published by the VI Ports Authority, it was projected that a total of around 66,000 cruise passengers would visit our shores by the end of 2021.”

Hon Fahie said while the VI will strive to be optimistic, “we have to also be realistic.”

“We must measure our expectations while global tourism recovers; we must take heed. We must address our thinking and our strategy. We must pivot to our strengths, improve on our weaknesses be cognizant of threats and take advantage of opportunities when they arise and to even create our own opportunities through innovation.”

Over the past week, the territory saw a total of four cruise ships docked at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and a large number of tourists getting off the ships.

Cruise ship tourists tour Tortola on bicycles.

: Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during the 2022 budget presentation at the House of Assembly on November 11, 2021, announced encouraging tourism numbers for the VI.