This increases the total number of daily international ferry round trips to three.

Premier Andrew Fahie said in his budget address last Thursday that these three trips will continue until January 31, 2022, in the first instance.

International ferry trips were cut to one per day when the port reopened in April after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We welcome the ongoing partnership with the United States government to see trips increased to 100 persons per trip, inclusive of passengers and crew,” the Premier stated.

Optimism at improved arrivals

According to Fahie, this is indeed good news as the BVI Ports Authority, ferry operators, and stakeholders continue to prepare for the reopening of the West End Ferry Terminal for international ferry passenger operations starting in December 2021.

Many guests, the Premier said, are using a shorter booking window for their vacations due to the quickly changing travel landscape.

Premier Fahie expressed optimism and suggested that this can result in bookings filling in quickly in the coming months.

“As properties and fleets return to their full room inventories and with the reopening of properties such as Saba Rock and Bitter End Yacht Club among others, we are optimistic for improved arrival levels for the upcoming season,” Premier Fahie expressed.

The Premier also noted that government is working diligently to enhance the ports of entry throughout the Virgin Islands.