Business
BVI recognised as “Sexiest New Destination” by American Airlines
By BVI Airports Authority
(PRESS RELEASE) — The Virgin Islands is said to be American Airlines “Sexiest New Destination” as the Territory gears up for a new service with the airline to Miami, which is expected to be launched on June 1.
In an article titled “Bringing Sexy Back”, American Airlines confirmed that the Network Planning Team won the Cranky Network Award for Sexiest New Route – Short Haul for American Airlines.
“We are going to rock this destination. Congratulations BVI!” a representative from American Airlines said while congratulating the Territory on achieving the recognition.
Meanwhile, work is ongoing at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in anticipation of the start-up of the service and the increase in passengers through the facility.
Minister of Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer stated that the success and growth of the Territory’s economy is heavily reliant on hassle-free access and connectivity.
He said the direct connection to the US Mainland by American Airlines will prove to be a “game-changer” and one of the main economic drivers to the main industries in the VI.
Honourable Rymer said, “I am thrilled that American Airlines has chosen to extend their services to the VI as the Government and the Authority continue to work tirelessly to enhance and increase air access to and through the Territory. Connectivity through air service development will continue to be our main focus ahead of the proposed airport development project.”
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Theodore E. Burke, said, “the project implementation team from American Airlines visited the Territory from February 20 to24 and met with officials from the BVI Airports Authority and other industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth launch and integration of the service to the Territory.”
The team included specialists in project implementation and management, Information Technology, customer experience, compliance and airport and airline operations.
Discussions were held with the officers from the Departments of Immigration and Customs, several hotels and other service providers at the airport. They also met with members of the Authority’s Board of Directors to share their vision for partnering with the airport and by extension the Territory along with the next steps in the project ahead of start-up.
Mr. Burke pledged the full support and commitment of the board to the project which he stated will undoubtedly prove to strengthen the VI’s economy with the ease of air access.
“Our board is aware of the difficulties with travelling to the Territory and as part of our mandate, we are committed to improved air access not only to the US Mainland but also within the region and will continue to partner with airlines to bring this to fruition,” he added.
Managing Director Mr. Kurt Menal said the authority is currently undertaking the necessary steps to prepare the airport for the significant increase in passenger movement that will result from the direct connection by American Airlines.
Mr. Menal said, “We are cognizant of the reality that air service development has outpaced necessary infrastructural enhancement given the highly desirable nature of the Virgin Islands as a destination for pleasure and business. In this regard, certain aspects of the proposed airport masterplan will be initiated with a view to incrementally providing the additional capacity that will be required to efficiently process the added volume of passengers.”
The Managing Director added that the intention is to implement seamless processes throughout the passenger journey to ensure that guests experience at the Territory’s airport is one befitting of the warmth of the Virgin Islands.
The authority’s team has already identified the office and check-in counter spaces to be occupied by American Airlines for their operations. The immediate next step will see the airlines installing the necessary equipment and infrastructure at the airport, followed by the recruitment and training of the necessary personnel to staff their operations.
The authority will continue its efforts to enhance the customer experience through our airports with crucial improvements and upgrades to our facilities.
Business
Tourism Summit Opens on Peter Island, Focusing on the Future of the Virgin Islands’ Tourism Industry
The 2025 Tourism Summit officially opened on Monday, 13 January, on Peter Island, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands. The two-day event, set amidst the stunning surroundings of the island, seeks to foster meaningful discussions and develop strategies to advance the territory’s tourism sector.
In her opening remarks, the Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, highlighted the vital role tourism plays in the Virgin Islands’ economy. “Tourism is not only a key pillar of our economy but also a cornerstone of our identity,” she stated. “It impacts our communities, our livelihoods, and the overall quality of life for all residents.”
Reflecting on the history of the territory’s tourism development, Minister Hodge-Smith pointed to key milestones such as the enactment of the Tourism Ordinance and the establishment of renowned properties like Little Dix Bay. She also recognised the contributions of local pioneers, including Charles and Ginny Carey, the Christophers, Creques, O’Neals, and Wheatleys, whose entrepreneurial efforts have helped shape the Virgin Islands’ global reputation.
Minister Hodge-Smith stressed the importance of preserving the Virgin Islands’ natural resources. “Our lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine ecosystems are our most valuable assets,” she said. “It is our collective responsibility to protect these treasures through environmental conservation efforts and ensure that our communities remain clean, welcoming, and ready to serve our visitors.”
Looking ahead, the Minister outlined several strategies to sustain and enhance the tourism industry, including:
- Expanding education and training to build local capacity, ensuring residents are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the global tourism market.
- Embracing technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, to improve operational efficiency and elevate the visitor experience.
- Exploring new niches within the tourism sector, improving accessibility, and creating inclusive opportunities for all.
- Enhancing customer service standards, recognising the importance of every interaction in creating memorable experiences for visitors.
Minister Hodge-Smith also reaffirmed the collective responsibility of all residents in supporting the tourism industry. “Tourism is everyone’s business,” she noted. “From taxi drivers to hotel staff, every individual contributes to the overall perception of the Virgin Islands as a premier destination.”
The summit, which will continue over the next two days, provides an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and provide feedback on the future direction of the tourism sector. Through these efforts, the Virgin Islands aims to ensure the continued growth and success of its tourism industry.
Several businesses in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are continuing to flout regulations that prohibit minimum spending requirements for credit card payments.
On January 2, Jahphixtelevision.com visited a gas station and a food establishment in Tortola, both of which were still enforcing a minimum purchase amount for credit card transactions. This comes despite a clear warning from the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) in a December 18 advisory, which stated that such practices violate merchant agreements with financial institutions.
The BVIBA highlighted that imposing minimum spending thresholds or charging additional fees for credit card payments contravenes not only local merchant contracts but also the policies of major payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
“We urge all merchants to immediately cease these practices to ensure full compliance with established regulations,” read the BVIBA’s statement issued last month.
This ongoing issue follows rising concerns over the transparency and fairness of payment systems, with both cardholders and industry stakeholders calling for more stringent enforcement of existing regulations.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
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