Draft Virgin Islands National Tourism Policy Now
The Government of the Virgin Islands has released the draft Virgin Islands National Tourism Policy (2026–2036) for public review, offering a 10-year framework to transform the Territory’s visitor economy into a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive sector. The draft, announced in the House of Assembly in January and posted on the government website, sets out objectives on governance, overnight and marine product development, resilience and sustainable growth; the public is invited to submit feedback by 27 February 2026.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has published the draft Virgin Islands National Tourism Policy (2026–2036) and supporting documents for public review, marking a key step toward finalising a 10-year strategy to reshape the Territory’s visitor economy. The announcement and documents are available on the government website, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in its press release.
Premier and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Honourable Dr. Wheatley, described the draft as “a significant milestone” during remarks delivered in the House of Assembly in January. In that statement reported by the government, Premier Wheatley said the policy provides “a clear, modern framework to guide [the sector’s] growth and diversification” and signals the administration’s long-term commitment to strengthening tourism as a central pillar of the Virgin Islands’ economy.
The government’s release says the Policy proposes a comprehensive framework to transform the tourism sector into a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive pillar of sustainable development. At its core is a balanced tourism model that aims to harmonise the broad reach of mass tourism with the exclusivity and higher-value potential of luxury and boutique tourism, while strengthening both the overnight and marine products.
Key objectives detailed in the draft include improved governance and coordination across government agencies; enhancing destination quality and resilience; aligning tourism development with national sustainable development goals; and targeted measures to support investment and livelihoods.
The policy also addresses climate resilience and the preservation of the natural and cultural resources that underpin the visitor economy, the government release noted. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Joseph Smith-Abbott, reiterated that the draft and supporting documents are now available on the Government’s website and encouraged public feedback.
Smith-Abbott said the policy was developed after extensive consultations with tourism stakeholders who helped shape the plan. BVI News also reported on the release and published an accompanying image of the “BVI” sculpture at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, providing local public-facing coverage and inviting residents to engage in the consultation process.
Residents and business operators — including hoteliers, marinas, tour operators, small businesses and community enterprises — are likely to feel direct impacts if the policy is adopted. Officials highlight implications for infrastructure, workforce training, protected areas management, waste management and the balance between cruise and stayover tourism.
Interested persons can download the documents from https://gov.vg/services/tourism-legislations-and-policies and submit comments through the website or by email to mtcsd@gov.vg. The deadline for submissions is 27 February 2026. For media or further government contacts, the release listed Angela U.
Burns, Information Officer I, Premier’s Office (aburns@gov.vg), and an international media enquiries contact (BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com). The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development said it looks forward to practical feedback from residents and stakeholders to help finalise a tourism strategy that supports economic opportunity while safeguarding the Territory’s environment and way of life.
Primary source: BVI Government