The Virgin Islands government plans to follow the example of other Caribbean islands that are working to develop a year-round tourism season, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley.
“We want to eliminate this concept that we know as a slow season,” Mr. Wheatley said during an Aug. 13 broadcast of his government’s Virgin Islands Voice programme.
He added that the territory can take various steps to maximise the low-intensity hospitality months and advance the tourism sector, which is the VI’s largest employer.
“We want to have more events and activities that will attract persons here so that we can have a 12-month tourism season,” he said.
That effort, he added, should include expanding tourism offerings.
“We know, of course, that quite a bit of our guests come to sail, and when you get into the hurricane season a lot of the boats move to a location they think is safe,” he said. “I think it’s about diversifying our tourism product and creating more events where people can travel in to enjoy the Virgin Islands — not necessarily just for sailing.”
The premier pointed to the example of Guyana, which recently launched a Cricket Carnival to boost hospitality interest.
“Guyana’s slowest month used to be September,” he said. “Then they introduced a carnival, and it went from its worst month to one of their highest months.”
The premier also cited a creole festival in Dominica as another example to explore.
Ongoing progress
He added that the VI has been making progress in this regard.
“I remember the tourism season used to settle down a lot earlier than it does now,” he said. “August and September, October is usually slow. That shows the importance of our festival celebration as well, because we get a little bump early August. And that just shows you the power of these events to attract visitors.”
But the premier said more emphasis is still needed on offering “low-season” activities.
“If we are creative, we can come up with some events in August, September, October that can attract visitors,” he said. “It’s a discussion throughout the region to do away with this slow season. And hopefully it will be a thing of the past.”
Conferences
The premier also said conferences are another good way forward.
“We are going to soon build Prospect Reef hotel to complement the other existing hotels which provide facilities for business travellers,” he said.
At a Monday press conference showcasing the coming Carifesta event, he said the territory’s long-awaited tourism plan will be made public in October.
