Junior Minister of Tourism Shereen Flax-Charles told BVI News the announcement was made at the BVI Tourist Board’s annual London Road Show in England recently.

She said the airline made the decision to coincide with the reopening of a local resort on the said sister island.

“I think it was as a result to the fact that Rosewood Little Dix Bay is reopening in 2020 and the feeling was a lot more business would be driven to Virgin Gorda and that, historically, lots of persons normally would come to Puerto Rico and fly directly to Virgin Gorda that stayed at Rosewood,” the Junior Minister stated.

She further said, “it is an easier connection for a lot of people. Instead of having to hop and skip around, they will be able to come from the US to Puerto Rico and from Puerto Rico directly to Virgin Gorda - especially for persons coming from west coast cities in the United States.”

Flax-Charles also said these soon-to-commence flights will benefit residents from Virgin Gorda and the wider territory with the opportunities it stands to present.

“The announcement by InterCaribbean is also great for residents of Virgin Gorda who, years ago when American Eagle flew into Virgin Gorda, was able to go direct to Puerto Rico whether to shop or conduct other business as well as for medical reasons,” the Junior Minister said.

“You know that we have the Puerto Ricans that come in July and in other times of the year and I think it will be a major plus for the island in terms of more air accessibility and not only for Virgin Gorda but the entire BVI.”

InterCaribbean currently travels to about 25 destinations in the region and operates a fleet of EMB120, Twin Otter and Beech 99 aircraft in scheduled air services.