Nightlife Vision Is No Fantasy
For years there has been a cry that there is not much of a nightlife in the BVI and officials believe this places the recovering tourism sector at a disadvantage.
While being candid about the matter of tourism, Premier and Minister for Finance Hon. Andrew Fahie announced that his government has a plan to turn quiet Road Town into a bustling city; where it is profitable for businesses to operate late into the nights.
During his presentation of the 2020 budget on November 19, the Premier prefaced his suggestion of a hopping city by mentioning the current state of the BVI tourism sector and the fact that the Territory is now redoubling its efforts considering that other countries in the region are making various strides in the tourism area.
Hon. Fahie noted the fact that the cry for nightlife has been there for years and not much done. He therefore assured the public that his plan will be delivered, and businesses will reap the reward.
“Mr. Speaker, take a walk with me through Road Town at 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. and imagine the possibilities. Imagine a vibrant Capital. Tourist visitors strolling, visiting the Craft Alive shops and other stores. Bars and restaurants alive with activity,” he said.
Alluding to the fact that there would be new business opportunities, Hon. Fahie stated, “Street food vendors and live musicians making profits. Imagine the opportunities for our providers of goods and services who support these activities from the background. This is not a fantasy; it can be our reality.”
The Premier further announced that the plea for nightlife is not only a local one, but even overseas stakeholders such as cruise ship companies have made this request.
“Cruise operators are interested in increasing calls to the BVI and staying at port later into the night – such as until midnight,” the Premier stated.
Hon. Fahie disclosed that in order to implement this vision the government will need to increase the berthing opportunities of the Territory.
“Options are being explored at the moment because of the tremendous earning potential that this holds for our people. Additional ships with extended time in port can boost annual cruise arrivals to beyond one million passengers,” he added.
During his presentation of the 2020 budget on November 19, the Premier prefaced his suggestion of a hopping city by mentioning the current state of the BVI tourism sector and the fact that the Territory is now redoubling its efforts considering that other countries in the region are making various strides in the tourism area.
Hon. Fahie noted the fact that the cry for nightlife has been there for years and not much done. He therefore assured the public that his plan will be delivered, and businesses will reap the reward.
“Mr. Speaker, take a walk with me through Road Town at 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. and imagine the possibilities. Imagine a vibrant Capital. Tourist visitors strolling, visiting the Craft Alive shops and other stores. Bars and restaurants alive with activity,” he said.
Alluding to the fact that there would be new business opportunities, Hon. Fahie stated, “Street food vendors and live musicians making profits. Imagine the opportunities for our providers of goods and services who support these activities from the background. This is not a fantasy; it can be our reality.”
The Premier further announced that the plea for nightlife is not only a local one, but even overseas stakeholders such as cruise ship companies have made this request.
“Cruise operators are interested in increasing calls to the BVI and staying at port later into the night – such as until midnight,” the Premier stated.
Hon. Fahie disclosed that in order to implement this vision the government will need to increase the berthing opportunities of the Territory.
“Options are being explored at the moment because of the tremendous earning potential that this holds for our people. Additional ships with extended time in port can boost annual cruise arrivals to beyond one million passengers,” he added.
