AGP Executive Report

BVI Recognition: The British Virgin Islands placed third in Condé Nast Traveler’s US island rankings and 10th in the UK edition. Peter Island Resort ranked fourth among Caribbean resorts in the US awards, while Rosewood Little Dix Bay also made the list. Peter Island Reopens: The resort plans to welcome guests back on October 21, with Wilbert A. Mason returning as general manager after leading the property from 2008 to 2015. Visitor Experience: US Virgin Islands visitors have flagged inconsistent taxi fares, payment limits and uncertainty over which operators to trust. Senator Marvin Blyden says he plans legislation to strengthen oversight, with calls for more payment options and rideshare services. Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister now chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while the British Virgin Islands will represent the UK’s overseas territories on its board. Heritage Attraction: Restoration work at Great Mountain on Tortola has uncovered features that may point to a former fort or plantation; officials say research is underway and the site could become a community attraction. New St. Thomas Flights: Breeze Airways will begin twice-weekly nonstop Tampa–St. Thomas service on December 16, adding a winter travel option.

Tourism Awards: The BVI placed third among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveler’s U.S. awards and 10th in the U.K. edition. Peter Island ranked fourth among Caribbean resorts in the U.S. list, while Rosewood Little Dix Bay placed ninth. New Underwater Attraction: A 22-foot eagle ray sculpture near Scrub Island is set to become an artificial reef, adding a new draw for snorkelers and divers. Charter Access: Premier Natalio Wheatley defended higher fees for foreign commercial charters, saying they apply to all foreign operators; recreational vessels that don’t charter are exempt. Heritage Tourism: Restoration work at Great Mountain has uncovered features that may point to a former plantation or fort. Research is underway, and the site could become a community attraction if its history is confirmed.

Virgin Gorda Property: Bidding is open on Valley Trunk Estate, a 17-acre compound with five villas and more than 1,000 feet of beachfront. Listed at $43.5 million, the auction closes Oct. 27. Regional Tourism Leadership: The BVI will represent British overseas territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s leadership team, as Antigua and Barbuda takes the chair. New Attraction: A 22-foot eagle ray sculpture near Scrub Island offers snorkelers and divers a new underwater landmark, designed to grow into an artificial reef. Resort Recognition: Peter Island Resort ranked fourth in Condé Nast Traveler’s Caribbean awards; Rosewood Little Dix Bay placed ninth. Visitor Access: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road, with sidewalk work expected to finish by month’s end. Charter Fees: Premier Natalio Wheatley defended higher fees for foreign commercial charters after USVI operators raised concerns about access to BVI waters.

Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda will chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while the British Virgin Islands will represent British overseas territories on its board. William “Billy” Griffith was also reelected chair of the CTO Allied Board. BVI Visitor Experiences: A 22-foot eagle ray sculpture has been installed underwater near Scrub Island, designed to become an artificial reef and new draw for snorkelers and divers. Peter Island Resort ranked fourth among Caribbean resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards; Rosewood Little Dix Bay placed ninth. Marine Tourism Dispute: Premier Natalio Wheatley defended higher charter fees, saying they apply to all foreign commercial operators, not specifically USVI vessels. The charges have prompted complaints from USVI charter businesses over access to BVI waters. Island Access: Breeze Airways will launch twice-weekly nonstop flights from Tampa to St. Thomas on December 16, adding a new route for travelers connecting to the wider Virgin Islands. Road Improvements: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road, with sidewalk work expected to finish by month’s end. Culture and Heritage: The BVI is developing its creative industries as part of a strategy to strengthen heritage, national identity and the economy; a possible historic site at Great Mountain is also being researched as a future community attraction.

Resort Recognition: Peter Island Resort ranked fourth among Caribbean resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with Rosewood Little Dix Bay placing ninth. New Underwater Attraction: A 22-foot eagle ray sculpture near Scrub Island is set to become an artificial reef, giving snorkelers and divers a new site to explore. Heritage Tourism: Restoration work at Great Mountain uncovered features that may point to a fort or plantation; research is underway before the site’s history is confirmed. Charter Access: Premier Natalio Wheatley defended higher BVI charter fees, saying they apply to commercial operations by foreign vessels and do not affect recreational trips. Visitor Infrastructure: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road, with sidewalk work expected to finish by month’s end. Regional Connectivity: At the Caribbean tourism conference, BVI officials joined regional leaders discussing better air and sea links as key to tourism growth.

Underwater Attractions: A 22-foot eagle ray sculpture has been installed near Scrub Island, giving snorkelers and divers a new site to explore. The concrete-and-wire artwork is designed to become an artificial reef for coral and marine life. Diving the BVI: Dive BVI is highlighting its reefs, wrecks and warm, clear waters, backed by five decades of guiding visitors underwater. Tortola Access: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road as work continues on sidewalks, improving the route between West End Ferry Terminal and Road Town. Regional Connections: At the Caribbean tourism conference, ministers including the BVI’s stressed better air and sea links as vital to tourism growth and community benefits. St John Visitor Tips: Trunk Bay is now cashless; visitors must pay its $5 fee by card or mobile payment, and should plan ahead because cell service can be limited.

Snorkelling: A 22-foot eagle ray sculpture has been installed underwater near Scrub Island, designed to become an artificial reef and attract marine life. Tortola Roads: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road, part of upgrades between the West End Ferry Terminal and Road Town; sidewalk work is expected to finish by month’s end. Regional Connectivity: BVI representatives joined a SOTIC ministerial panel that highlighted better air and sea links as key to Caribbean tourism growth. Visitor Tips: Trunk Bay in St John is now cashless, so visitors should bring a card or arrange mobile payment for the $5 entry fee. Island Culture: About 40 residents learned to make traditional Guavaberry liqueur at a local workshop. BVI Escape: A travel feature spotlights Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, beach bars and laid-back appeal.

BVI Road Improvements: Paving is complete on 4,000 feet of West End Road, part of upgrades along the route between the West End Ferry Terminal and Road Town. Sidewalk work is expected to wrap up by month’s end. Sustainable Tourism: A community-led project presented at the Caribbean tourism conference is training Belize tour guides to document reefs, mangroves and local histories — a model linking visitor experiences with conservation. Visitor Tips: Trunk Bay in St. John is now cashless; visitors must pay the unchanged $5 admission fee by card, mobile payment or online pass. Regional Air Links: Contour’s new twice-weekly Trinidad–Dominica service offers onward connections to St. Thomas, while USVI flight capacity is also growing ahead of December. BVI Charter Tourism: The BVI says it has authority to address its charter-fee dispute with the USVI through the Inter-Virgin Islands Council, as operators warn that reduced access to BVI waters is affecting business.

BVI Spotlight: Moskito Island’s luxury estate is back in the headlines after “RHONY” star Erika Hammond rejected a co-star’s criticism of her British Virgin Islands property. Inter-Island Travel: Premier Natalio Wheatley says BVI-USVI charter-fee talks are a local responsibility, as operators warn the dispute is hurting access to BVI waters. Tourism Momentum: The USVI posted the Caribbean’s second-highest growth in both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. Visitor Tips: Trunk Bay is now cashless; visitors need a card or mobile payment for its unchanged $5 fee. Regional Links: The BVI will represent the British overseas territories on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, while tourism leaders at SOTIC called better regional connections vital to growth. A new Trinidad-Dominica flight also offers onward connections to St. Thomas. Island Escapes: Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay beach bars and The Buccaneer’s three beaches on St. Croix showcase the easygoing experiences drawing visitors to the Virgin Islands.

Visitor Update: Trunk Bay is now cashless: visitors must pay its $5 entry fee by card or mobile payment, and park staff warn that cell service can be limited. BVI Charter Access: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI will handle its charter-fee dispute with the USVI through local channels, as operators raise concerns about access to BVI waters. Regional Connections: At the Caribbean tourism conference, ministers called better air links essential to growth; a new Contour Airlines route between Trinidad and Dominica also connects onward to St Thomas. Sustainable Tourism: A Caribbean initiative presented at the conference is pairing tour guides with researchers to document reefs, mangroves and local histories—an approach that could help tourism support conservation and communities. Island Escapes: Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s remain a draw for beach-bar fans, while St Croix’s Buccaneer offers three beaches, golf and watersports. Tourism Momentum: The USVI ranked near the top of the Caribbean for growth, with stayover arrivals up 16.4% and cruise arrivals up 40.2%.

BVI Beach Life: Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s remain a draw for beach-bar lovers, with boats arriving throughout the day. Charter Access: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI-USVI charter-fee dispute is for the territories to address through their Inter-Virgin Islands Council, not the UK—a key issue for operators and visitors moving between the islands. Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles Fernandez now chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization, with the BVI representing the British overseas territories at board level. Ministers also highlighted better regional connectivity as vital to tourism growth. Visitor Momentum: The USVI ranked near the top of the Caribbean for growth in both stayover and cruise arrivals. On St Croix, The Buccaneer offers three beaches, watersports and oceanfront golf.

BVI’s Tourism Profile: The British Virgin Islands placed 10th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards, adding a boost to its appeal with travellers. Island Stays: Moskito Island, purchased by Richard Branson and now shared by several families, offers villas for rent and shared beaches and amenities. Charter Access: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI-USVI charter-fee dispute is a local matter for the territories to address through their Inter-Virgin Islands Council, keeping a key visitor-access issue in focus. Ports and Sailing: The BVI Ports Authority’s first PortVision conference examined tourism, customer experience and sustainable port operations, while the Caribbean Sailing Association renewed its leadership and set plans to grow regatta participation and regional cooperation. Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez now chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization; the BVI will represent British overseas territories on its board. At the CTO conference, regional ministers also stressed better connectivity as essential to tourism growth and broader community benefits.

Regional Connectivity: Caribbean tourism ministers are calling for stronger air links and coordinated investment so tourism reaches more communities and supports local economies. Contour Airlines’ new twice-weekly Dominica–Trinidad flights also connect through Port of Spain to St. Thomas. BVI–USVI Charter Dispute: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the issue over charter fees is for the BVI and USVI to address through their Inter-Virgin Islands Council, not the UK and US—keeping the dispute’s impact on cross-border sailing and tourism in focus. Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez now chairs the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while the BVI will represent British overseas territories on its board. BVI Recognition: The territory placed 10th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings, underscoring its appeal to visitors.

Charter Access: Premier Natalio Wheatley says the BVI—not the UK—must address the charter dispute with the USVI, where higher fees have raised concerns about access to BVI waters. He pointed to the Inter-Virgin Islands Council as the forum for resolving the issue. Regional Tourism: The Caribbean Tourism Organization elected Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez as chair; the BVI will represent British overseas territories on the board. The USVI also reported strong growth, ranking second in the Caribbean for both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%. Ports and Travel: The BVI Ports Authority named Reba Evans its first ambassador during its 35th-anniversary events, which included a conference on port innovation, tourism and sustainability. A new Contour Airlines route between Trinidad and Dominica also offers same-plane connections to St Thomas. BVI Spotlight: The BVI placed 10th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings. On Tortola, Long Bay’s broad sandy shoreline and cooling sea breeze make it a standout beach for visitors.

Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez will chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while the British Virgin Islands will represent British overseas territories on its board. Visitor Growth: The U.S. Virgin Islands ranked second in Caribbean growth for both stayover arrivals, up 16.4%, and cruise arrivals, up 40.2%—a strong regional signal for the visitor economy. BVI Recognition: The British Virgin Islands placed 10th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings. Ports and Promotion: The BVI Ports Authority marked its 35th anniversary with its first PortVision conference on tourism, customer experience and port development, and named Reba Evans its first ambassador. Island Appeal: A feature on Tortola’s Long Bay highlights its mile-long shoreline and cooling sea breeze, while a resort-wear photoshoot there put BVI scenery before an international audience. Heritage Tourism: Sandra Phillip-Hodge says preserving historic sites should be central to education, identity and sustainable tourism.

Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister will chair the Caribbean Tourism Organization, with the BVI elected to represent the British overseas territories. BVI Recognition: The territory placed 10th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island awards, scoring 91.29. Island Spotlight: Moskito Island featured in a new episode of The Real Housewives of New York City, showcasing its private estates and beaches to a broad audience. Beach Guide: A new look at Tortola’s Long Bay highlights its mile-long shoreline, sea breeze and open views—an inviting pick for visitors seeking room to unwind.