Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026 to unite
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, with the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission and the British Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, will host the two-day Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026 on 10–11 June at Peter Island Resort, bringing together regional and international tourism leaders to discuss sustainable growth, resilience and investment. Organisers and local media report an expanded programme that includes keynote addresses, a National Tourism Policy validation forum, a new BVI Market Connect: Partner Exchange networking platform and — new this week in media reports — a closing plenary focused on translating discussions into action.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, in partnership with the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission and the British Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIHTA), will host the two-day Virgin Islands Tourism Summit 2026 on Wednesday and Thursday, 10–11 June at Peter Island Resort, organisers say.
Under the theme "Shaping the Future of Tourism in The Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction," the summit is designed to bring together tourism stakeholders, hoteliers, tour operators, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, community organisations and members of the public to align around sustainable growth, resilience and long-term development (BVI Government; BVI News).
Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith-Abbott said the summit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across the sector and to foster meaningful public–private dialogue. "The summit represents a collaborative effort between Government and industry and reflects a shared commitment to advancing The Virgin Islands as a premier tourism destination," he said in government remarks reproduced by the Ministry and reported by BVI News.
Organisers confirmed an impressive lineup of regional and international speakers in a government release, with keynote and plenary contributors including Narendra Ramgulam, Deputy Director, Sustainable Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); Adam Ceserano, President of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA); Bonnie Borkin Sr., Director of Tourism at Sojern; and Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) (BVI Government; VINO).
Day One will open with government remarks and a keynote by Narendra Ramgulam and will focus on regional direction, sustainable tourism challenges, resilience and recovery. The day will close with a National Tourism Policy Validation and Stakeholder Alignment Forum intended to gather feedback from local operators, hoteliers, tour guides, creatives and community groups on policy priorities (BVI Government; VINO).
A dedicated resilience session, "Building Tourism Resilience in the Virgin Islands: Lessons Learned, Preparedness & Recovery," will examine recovery experiences following Hurricanes Irma and Maria and discuss disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, business continuity planning and recovery strategies for tourism businesses and communities.
Representatives from the Department of Disaster Management and other stakeholders are expected to participate (BVI Government; BVI News; VINO). On Thursday, 11 June organisers will introduce BVI Market Connect: Partner Exchange, a new networking platform linking local tourism businesses with the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission's global sales, marketing and PR representatives and agency partners.
Sessions will also explore entertainment tourism — how culture, events and visitor experiences can strengthen destination branding, boost visitor spending and encourage year-round tourism (BVI Government; VINO). VINO reports the summit will conclude with a closing plenary session focused on translating discussions into action and identifying strategic priorities to guide the ongoing development and competitiveness of the Virgin Islands tourism industry — a development not highlighted in earlier government releases but now included in media coverage (VINO).
BVI News notes the summit is being billed as a timely event as the Territory rebuilds and enhances its tourism product following the reopening of major properties and continued investments in visitor infrastructure; tourism remains a leading economic sector for the Virgin Islands (BVI News).
Registration is open until Friday, 5 June 2026. Organisers say complimentary ferry transport will be provided to Peter Island Resort for registered participants travelling from across the Territory. For more information contact the Ministry at mtcsd@gov.vg or call (284) 468-2161 (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government