Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. Andrew Fahie, who made the announcement at the House of Assembly sitting last week said that in advancing its mandate, the BVITB is desirous of providing mobile and hotspot Wi-Fi services as a key marketing tool that will enhance the tourism experience for cruise visitors, day-tours and stay-over visitors in the BVI.

To this end, the Board is therefore soliciting proposals from qualified consulting firms to develop a Wireless Network Strategic Plan with a near-term focus on Wi-Fi deployment in key tourist sites and hire-vehicles and a long-term consideration of other wireless technologies.

The Premier said that the preferred Consultant must demonstrate prior experience working with government agencies or statutory bodies in developing plans to build wireless broadband networks.

He explained that the plan would be used to strategically develop the Tourist Board’s wireless telecommunication infrastructure to meet the needs of its target audience.

Premier Fahie said that the successful responder would utilise the Plan and work on the Tourist Board’s behalf to construct, manage, and leverage certain Tourist Board assets and telecommunication infrastructure with third parties.

He also mentioned the recent launching of the BVI Now app.

“This app described by some as the “Yellow Pages on Steroids” is designed to quickly connect our guests with the myriad of tourism businesses. The app utilises the latest technologies enabling guests to access local businesses and maps, and it is able to do this without internet connection,” Premier Fahie said.

He noted that news of the app’s launch is quickly garnering international attention in the travel trade and consumer media.