Rescheduled Events Announced for Culture and Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development has announced that several activities planned for Culture and Tourism Month 2025 have been rescheduled to ensure better participation and improved visitor experiences. The changes affect the Virgin Gorda Historical Tour Manual launch, the opening of the Territory’s first Virtual Reality Museum, the Emancipation Festival Forum, and a fungi workshop, the Ministry said in a government release and in coverage by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development has announced the rescheduling of several events on the Culture and Tourism Month 2025 calendar, saying the moves are intended to secure "optimal participation, enhanced experiences, and successful event delivery," Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith-Abbott said in a government statement carried by VINO.
The month-long programme — running under the theme "Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Tourism" — celebrates the Territory’s heritage and the development of the local tourism product. According to the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Ministry and its partners remain committed to delivering high-quality cultural and tourism-focused activities across the Territory.
Among the items moved is the launch of the Virgin Gorda Historical Tour Manual. Produced by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission, the manual is the second in a Historical Tour Manual series. The publication is designed to equip transportation professionals and tour operators with accurate historical narratives about the Virgin Islands, raising the quality of storytelling and interpretation for visitors while supporting heritage preservation, the Tourist Board said in the government release.
Also postponed is the opening of the Territory’s first Virtual Reality Museum, an initiative from the Tourist Board and Film Commission. The VR museum will use cutting-edge technology to immerse residents and visitors in the natural, cultural and aquatic environments of the Virgin Islands with interactive 360° experiences.
The Government noted that Phase Two of the project will see Wing Whale Media Production return to the Sister Islands to capture additional footage to expand the museum’s collection. The Ministry additionally confirmed that the Emancipation Festival Forum, originally scheduled for 25 November, has been postponed; a revised date and location will be announced in due course.
A fungi workshop listed on the Culture and Tourism Month calendar has also been rescheduled as organisers finalise arrangements. The Ministry did not publish new dates immediately. Smith-Abbott apologised for any inconvenience caused and asked for the continued support of the public, partners and stakeholders as organisers finalise new dates.
He stressed that the adjustments reflect a focus on accessibility, safety and event quality and align with government efforts to promote sustainable tourism, protect cultural heritage, and support community-focused economic opportunities across the islands. Residents are encouraged to view the rescheduling as organisers prioritising meaningful, high-quality cultural and tourism programming.
The Ministry advised the public to monitor official channels — including gov.vg and the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page — for updated schedules and further announcements. For international media enquiries, the Government listed BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com and provided contact information for Information Officer Angela U.
This update integrates the Government of the Virgin Islands' official announcement with coverage carried by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). Organisers say further updates will be issued when new dates and locations are finalised.
Primary source: BVI Government