Sharon Flax-Brutus, BVI director of tourism, told TTG the territory was “feverishly working” on rebuilding the areas damaged by the storm, which swept through the BVI in September, killing several people.
“We have moved our tourism industry from a state of relief to recovery and our islands and residents are working feverishly with relief workers to rebuild attractions and hotels, inns and villas, as well as to re-energise the charter yacht and sailing sector,” said Flax-Brutus.
“Marinas as well as restaurants and bars are reopening every day across all our islands.”
She added that the destination was “working diligently” to ensure that tourists were still able to visit the country’s 60 islands: “We want our guests to be assured that their vacation experience will be positive.
“It is important to us that our guests feel safe and their experience is authentic and friendly. We will do all we can. We encourage visitors to reach out to their hotel or yacht charterer so they can be assured that they will meet expectations.”
Flax-Brutus insisted that the BVI’s beaches and dive sites were as “pristine as ever”, and said she expected its yachting sector to rebound first. However, she acknowledged: “Because we are 60 islands, recovery will come at different paces… Our small properties and mid-range villas will rebound within a year, if not sooner.
“Our luxury properties and villas however may take up to two years.”
She noted that the “major rebuilds” would mean that “everything will be pretty much new”.
Flax-Brutus also said that prior to the hurricane, the BVI’s cruise industry was “strong”, with 2016 a record year for cruise and overall visitor arrivals, “and we were on pace for another dynamic year in 2017”.
The territory’s cruise port reopened on November 1.
Flax-Brutus said the destination’s message for this year’s WTM London was that “BVI is still sailing”.
“Our recovery is in full throttle as we chart a way forward,” she added. “Our islands are still beautiful.”
The tourist board is holding a fundraiser for the BVI Relief Fund on November 21 from 7pm, at The Roof Gardens, Kensington, London.
For more information email olivia.overvoorde@mangopr.com
