Brandywine Bay to Break Ground in 2026
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the long‑awaited Brandywine Bay development will break ground this year, following new clarifications about the project and rising visitor numbers. The announcement, made during the June 9, 2026 State of the Territory Address, was preceded by a February district meeting where officials outlined early plans and land‑boundary work (VINO; BVI News).
The government has reiterated plans to move forward with the Brandywine Bay development on Tortola’s eastern end, saying the project will break ground in 2026. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced the timetable during his State of the Territory Address at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park on June 9, 2026, describing the move as part of a broader push to expand visitor experiences across the Virgin Islands (VINO).
Brandywine Bay has been discussed by successive administrations as a potential tourism hub, and officials say the development is intended to diversify offerings, spread visitor activity beyond traditional hubs and ease pressure from overcrowding in popular areas. The Premier said the territory is enjoying “one of the strongest periods of tourism performance in its history,” and warned that rising arrivals can create overcrowding that harms the visitor experience (VINO).
Newly released visitor figures cited by VINO show arrivals climbing steadily over the last three years: about 994,896 visitors in 2023, more than 1,092,139 in 2024, and a record 1,202,008 in 2025 — the highest numbers in the territory’s history (VINO). The government has also reported a strong cruise season and growth in overnight stays: cruise passenger arrivals topped roughly 875,000 and overnight visitor numbers exceeded 300,000 in 2025, statistics previously shared by government briefings and reported by BVI News.
Details released earlier this year at a district meeting in February shed light on the project’s first phase. Premier Wheatley said then that “it’s time to move this project forward,” and Permanent Secretary Ronald F. Smith‑Berkeley outlined specific early works, including refurbishing existing facilities, constructing a restaurant and installing kiosks along the beach.
Smith‑Berkeley also noted ongoing boundary clarifications after discovering some parcels previously thought to be government‑owned were not (VINO). Officials stressed that Brandywine Bay is not primarily suited to swimming because of seagrass beds that help retain sand; instead, the site is being promoted for kayaking, snorkelling and other water sports (VINO).
The government says the plan is to develop attractions that will serve both the cruise and overnight markets, with a particular focus on creating experiences that encourage wider distribution of visitors across the islands. Brandywine Bay is one element of a balanced tourism strategy that includes plans to expand the Terrance B.
Lettsome International Airport, the selection of a company to prepare the territory’s first National Tourism Plan, and consultations on a National Tourism Policy aimed at long‑term sustainability (BVI News). Officials say residents can expect more detailed plans, timelines and community consultations as design teams finalise layouts and complete environmental assessments.
The administration emphasises balancing economic benefits with infrastructure needs and environmental protection as development proceeds, and has pledged to share further specifics on Brandywine Bay and other forthcoming attractions in the weeks and months ahead.
Primary source: BVI News