The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has found itself on Fodor’s Travel “No List 2025,” a compilation of 15 destinations travellers are urged to reconsider due to the strain of over-tourism.
While the BVI’s inclusion underscores its allure as a world-class destination, the critique highlights significant challenges facing the territory’s tourism sector and infrastructure.
A Surge in Cruise Tourism Raises Concerns
Central to the critique is the overwhelming emphasis on cruise tourism. The publication noted that between January and June 2024, the BVI welcomed a record-breaking 683,000 visitors, a 17% increase from the same period in 2023. Cruise ship passengers accounted for 72% of arrivals, while overnight stays—a higher-spending demographic—remained 24% below their 2017 peak.
Fodor noted that the disparity in the statistics has raised red flags among local stakeholders, using examples raised by Allington “Gumption” Creque, owner of Sea It Clear Tours, who shared his experience of cruise passengers overburdening local resources without significantly contributing to the economy. Similarly, comments made in the House of Assembly from Opposition Legislator Hon. Myron Walwyn were used to further support Fordor’s argument, where Walwyn criticized cruise tourism for failing to deliver meaningful economic trickle-down benefits to local businesses. Additionally, remarks from Minister of Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, were used, where he acknowledged the strain, asserting that the BVI cannot sustain mass tourism.
Infrastructure Challenges and Environmental Pressures
Fodor also pointed to the absence of a comprehensive tourism plan since 2011, which it said exacerbates these concerns. In this section of the publication, Sharon Flax-Brutus, former director of the BVI Tourist Board, criticized the lack of forward-thinking policies, emphasizing that the territory often overlooks potential downsides when pursuing tourism growth.
The feature also mentioned the $100 million loan which was recently approved for infrastructure improvements to the territory, but it noted that the sum was far short of the total necessary for critical infrastructural projects, which it estimates to be around the $700 million mark.
Also highlighted is the environmental toll which Fodor says has been mounting. It noted that coral reefs, vital to the BVI’s marine ecosystem and tourism appeal, are under threat from lax regulations on anchoring, coastal development, and the use of non-reef-safe sunscreens. The publication furthered that although an environmental fee of $10 per visitor has raised $12.3 million for conservation efforts, the distribution of these funds is stalled due to bureaucratic delays.
A Lack of Strategic Planning
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley was also mentioned in the publication, with a focus on his pledge to introduce a National Tourism Strategic Plan by mid-2025, following the release of a policy framework. Fordor’s noted that despite the promise, the protracted timeline and lack of an existing overarching policy have fuelled scepticism about the government’s ability to address longstanding challenges.
While Fodor’s criticism may tarnish the BVI’s image in the short term, it also serves as a wake-up call for the government. The territory’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage remain its greatest assets, however, without strategic planning, sustainable practices, and investments in infrastructure, the allure that makes the BVI a top-tier destination could be at risk.
This post was originally published on here
