International
BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission Making Powerful Impact at Virtuoso Travel Week 2023
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) is making a powerful impact at Virtuoso Travel Week, held from 12 to 18 August 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Following the success of their participation last year, the BVITBFC delegation is focused on strengthening relationships with travel advisors, providing updates on the destination, and propelling the thriving tourism industry of the BVI forward.
Virtuoso is a leading global network of luxury travel advisors, who collaborate with top destinations and a select portfolio of the best travel brands worldwide. Travelers who have a Virtuoso Advisor gain access to expert knowledge, exclusive travel perks, support throughout their journeys, and, most importantly, enhanced experiences in the places they visit.
Led by Perla George, the Business Development Director of Tourism, the BVITBFC delegation includes key individuals who play a crucial role in promoting the British Virgin Islands as a premier travel destination. Alongside Ms. George are Odelcer Hanley, the International Marketing Manager, and Safrika O’Neal (Mid-Atlantic) and Shonda Maduro (Northeast), the Regional Business Development Managers.
This year’s participation at Virtuoso Travel Week promises to be highly productive, with the BVITBFC team having meticulously arranged approximately 200 meetings and appointments. Safrika O’Neal, Shonda Maduro, Perla George, and Odelcer Hanley are engaging in meaningful discussions with travel advisors, tour operators, and media representatives, further solidifying the BVI’s status as a top-tier travel destination.
In addition to the BVITBFC team, the delegation is joined by some of its tourism industry partners who are also Virtuoso Preferred and attending the event. These partners include Virgin Limited (Necker Island and Moskito Island), Rosewood Little Dix Bay, The Moorings, and Guana Island.
The BVITBFC team’s presence at Virtuoso Travel Week demonstrates the British Virgin Islands’ enduring commitment to its global travel partners. By actively engaging with top luxury travel professionals and providers from around the world, the BVI aims to showcase its exceptional, safe, and captivating offerings while fostering valuable connections that drive business growth.
Clive McCoy, the Director of Tourism, remarked, “As we navigate through the dynamic landscape of the travel industry, our engagement at Virtuoso Travel Week is a pivotal opportunity to showcase BVI’s authentic attractions and our valued industry partners. We remain committed to driving economic growth and showcasing the unique experiences the BVI has to offer.”
Dame Pereira, who hails from North Sound, Virgin Gorda, has had a distinguished legal career that began when she was called to the Bar of the Virgin Islands in 1981. Rising through the ranks of the judiciary, she became a High Court Judge in 2003 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2009. On October 24, 2012, she made history as the first female Chief Justice of the ECSC, a position she held with distinction until her retirement earlier this year in St. Kitts and Nevis. Her legal career has spanned over three decades, marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands lauded Dame Pereira’s appointment in a social media post, describing it as “well-deserved” and noting her inspirational impact on the Virgin Islands community. “Your achievements inspire us all!” Premier Wheatley declared, emphasizing the pride that her accomplishments have brought to the region.
The Privy Council appointments, officially announced on August 28, also include notable figures such as Baroness Eluned Morgan MS, the First Minister of Wales, and John Swinney MS, the First Minister of Scotland.
The Privy Council remains one of the oldest government institutions in the UK, advising the sovereign on matters of state and governance.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo won gold in the men’s 200 meters final on Thursday, August 8, finishing with a time of 19.46 seconds, the fourth-fastest in Olympic history.
Tebogo’s victory overshadowed the struggles of American star Noah Lyles, who crossed the line in third after revealing he was battling COVID-19. Following the race, Lyles was assisted off the track in a wheelchair.
Lyles’ finish for the second consecutive Olympics left fans and competitors in shock. Despite his health struggles, Lyles managed to finish in 19.70 seconds, falling to his back in pain as he grappled with the effects of the virus that had impacted him throughout his Olympic journey.
As Lyles dealt with his medical issues, Kenny Bednarek secured silver with a time of 19.62 seconds.
Lyles’ condition became evident a night earlier when he finished second in a semifinal and headed to the medical tent without speaking to the press. Despite reassurances from his coach that he was fine, it was clear something was wrong as the final unfolded.
As the runners approached the homestretch, Lyles fell behind, unable to summon his finishing kick. What was once a reliable surge in the final stretch transformed into a push for the line, culminating in a collapse onto the purple track, marking a conclusion to his Olympic journey.
Photo: John David Mercer Photo USA Today
At just 18 years old, Adaejah Hodge has made a mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in the 200m semifinals at the iconic Stade de France, Hodge clocked in at 22.70 seconds, securing 8th place in her heat and 17th overall in the semifinals. She becomes the first athlete from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to advance to an Olympic semifinal in the 200m event.
“Before the race, I was talking to myself to get amped up, and it seemed to work because I actually lowered my time,” Hodge shared with the BVI Olympic Association, reflecting on her pre-race routine. “Just finding exercises like those to prepare me for the race is what I was doing. Throughout the race, I just trusted my training, trusted what I’ve been doing leading up to this point. I think I executed my race well. I’m only 18, so I’m looking forward to the next event, which is the U20s in Peru, and dominate there.”
Earlier in the day, she qualified through the Repechage event.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Hodge acknowledged the challenges of competing on such a grand stage. “It’s very hard to go out into the crowd — everyone screaming — so getting comfortable in the situation with all those fans and allowing myself to be Adaejah Hodge is something I will need to do,” she noted.
As the youngest competitor in her event at Paris 2024, she has set a high bar for future competitions.
The U20 Championships in Peru await, where Hodge is determined to build on her Olympic experience.
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