Hon de deCastro was speaking at yesterday’s September 21, 2020, launch of the BVILOVE campaign where it was also announced that the Territory will re-open its shores to tourists beginning December 1, 2020.

“COVID-19 has indeed thrown major obstacles in our course. It has delayed our journey and it has changed the landscape. Now, that does not mean we have abandoned our vision and our goals.”

Hon de Castro said while economies impacted the most are those that depend on travel and tourism, the coronavirus has not, “dulled our stunning sunsets, has not soiled our white sandy beaches, has not evaporated our pristine waters and definitely has not taken the wind out of our ideal sailing and diving locations.”

Hon Sharie B. de Castro said the VI’s tourism products are still awe-inspiring will remain in high demand when the global tourism industry reopens, 'I know this to be true because while our tourism industry is part of a larger industry that spans beyond our shores, we remain competitive.

Need for innovation

She said COVID-19 has not tarnished the brand of the VI, nor affected its ability to diversify, “Instead, it has renewed our commitment to improving our sector and strengthening our competitiveness, while shoring up our tourism product offerings.”

Hon de Castro underscored that COVID-19 has signalled that the VI must therefore become more innovative in a fast and accurate manner.

She said the VI’s tourism products are still awe-inspiring and will remain in high demand when the global tourism industry reopens, “I know this to be true because while our tourism industry is part of a larger industry that spans beyond our shores, we remain competitive.”