Tourism Plan Still Under Evaluation
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the long-promised tourism plan has moved into the evaluation phase after responses to a government request for proposals were received. He declined to give a firm completion date, saying the work is progressing within a broader National Sustainable Development Plan framework.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the government’s long-awaited tourism plan is not abandoned but has now entered the evaluation stage after the receipt of proposals in response to a request for proposals. Speaking on the Talking Points programme, Dr Wheatley confirmed that submissions have been received and are being reviewed, but he would not commit to a specific timeline for completion. "I can’t tell you exactly when that particular phase will be completed, but we’re pleased that we’ve gotten now to a new stage and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
The update comes amid criticism from opposition politicians and others who have voiced frustration over delays in producing a comprehensive tourism strategy for the territory. Tourism remains one of the British Virgin Islands’ main economic pillars, supporting businesses, workers and public revenue, so the timing and content of a national strategy are closely watched by hoteliers, tour operators, employees and communities across the islands.
Dr Wheatley acknowledged that sector-specific plans have taken longer than expected, attributing part of the delay to the administration’s early focus on governance reform. He rejected assertions that the government lacked an overarching development framework, pointing to the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) — which his administration passed and tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals — as the foundation for all sector strategies.
According to the Premier, the tourism plan will sit among several subsidiary strategies flowing from the national framework, including infrastructure and agriculture plans. He said the government’s approach is coordinated, with planning, budgeting and legislative priorities aligned to the NSDP.
Dr Wheatley also framed the tourism planning exercise as part of wider efforts to strengthen economic resilience. "We need to understand the geopolitical situation in the world because, you know, we are an island, but no man is an island," he said, noting that external shocks can quickly affect the sector.
At this stage the Premier limited his remarks to the procurement and evaluation process and did not outline specific policies or measures that will feature in the tourism plan. He indicated further details will be released once assessments are completed, leaving stakeholders to await the outcome of the government’s review of proposals.
For residents and tourism stakeholders, the coming weeks and months should reveal whether the plan provides concrete timelines, investment priorities and measures to protect jobs and reinforce resilience across the territory’s crucial tourism industry.
Primary source: BVI News