On the heels of the announcement that local developers JOMA Properties Ltd will be building a new hotel in Port Purcell, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has called for more locals to invest in the BVI’s tourism industry.
The Premier said the BVI economy is doing well but some just aren’t in a position to benefit from the success. He added that the territory’s tourism is projected to continue seeing growth, hence the reason why residents should invest in the industry.
“I think it sets an excellent example when one of our very own successful investors steps outside their comfort zone and invests in tourism. I would hope and wish other investors in the BVI take a similar approach because tourism will continue to grow — we had our second-largest number in history in 2023 and we will surpass that in 2024. The numbers will continue to grow and we have to ensure we are well positioned to benefit from that growth,” the Premier stated.
He also said locals should note that the same benefits and incentives given to foreign investors are available to them.
Opposition spokesperson on Tourism Myron Walwyn has been hammering the government to seek new investors for tourism, like the BVI’s neighbours in the Eastern Caribbean, which Walwyn says continue to attract new investments.
But on Monday March 25, the Premier said he continues to receive calls from many foreign investors who are interested in investing in the territory.
“We have a number of investors from all over the world who are knocking on our doors and saying we believe in the BVI, we want to invest in the BVI,” Premier Wheatley said.
