TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has called for more locals to invest in the BVI’s tourism industry. He made the plea after the announcement that local developers JOMA Properties Ltd will build a new hotel in Port Purcell.
According to Wheatley, the BVI economy is doing well, but some cannot benefit from the success. He added that the territory’s tourism is projected to grow, so residents should invest in the industry.
“I think it sets an excellent example when one of our successful investors steps outside their comfort zone and invests in tourism. I would hope and wish other investors in the BVI would take a similar approach because tourism will continue to grow — we had our second-largest number in history in 2023, and we will surpass that in 2024. The numbers will continue to grow, and we must ensure we are well positioned to benefit from that growth,” the Premier said.
He also said locals should note that the same benefits and incentives given to foreign investors are available.
Meanwhile, even as the opposition’s spokesperson on Tourism, Myron Walwyn has been calling on the government to seek new investors for tourism, the Premier said he continues receiving calls from many foreign investors interested in investing in the territory.
“We have several investors from all over the world who are knocking on our doors and saying,’ We believe in the BVI, and we want to invest in the BVI,’ Wheatley said.