A major software update to the BVI Now application for all cruise ship passengers promises to significantly increase visitors’ experience to the British Virgin Islands with loads of new features and content.
This was confirmed in a media release from the BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) on Wednesday November 24, which said the updates to the app were to serve the needs of all cruise ship passengers while improving their on-island experience.
The BVIPA stated, “Cruise ship passengers who have downloaded the BVI Now app see a special version, with a different user experience. First, they get greeted when they are detected entering the Territory. They are presented with several feature articles, including “A Walking Guide to Road Town & the CBR Tortola Pier Park,” as well as “A Walking Guide to Historic Main Street.” These walking guides highlight attractions, local businesses in Road Town, and places of interest.”
“These features contain local maps of the areas that work even if the passenger doesn’t have a data plan. For passengers who want to venture on their own beyond Road Town, there’s also “An Insider’s Guide to Tortola,” which highlights attractions, beaches, and places of interest across the island. Other features have been included to tell passengers about the BVI’s rich history and culture,” The BVIPA added.
Ground breaking
Speaking on the initiative, the BVIPA’s Managing Director, Oleanvine Maynard described the update to the app as ground breaking.
She said, “The BVI Now app is truly groundbreaking and uniquely differentiates the BVI from other destinations in the Caribbean and around the world. The world is mobile and BVI Now helps our cruise ship guests make the most of their time ashore. We hope our guests will use the BVI Now app as their personal guide to explore and to discover the history and culture that makes the BVI so special.”
“Through this app, which utilizes the latest technologies, our guests can browse activities, attractions, and access an array of local businesses that provide the best the BVI has to offer. We believe BVI Now will enhance our guests’ experience, whether they’re discovering the BVI for the first time, or discovering new favorites,” Maynard added.
App works anywhere in the BVI
The Ports Authority also guaranteed that the app will work in any place within the British Virgin Islands, even if a passenger loses signal of their internet data.
The BVIPA said, “When our guests are near a place of interest in the BVI, they are automatically notified with helpful and relevant information about that place, including more than 30 locations with interesting stories of pirate lore.”
“Visitors demand information to be available at their fingertips, while they are on the go. BVI Now brings everything about the BVI together in a single app, with a variety of “insider’s guides” that have been written by people who live in the BVI. The app works no matter where the user is located, even if they’re not near Wi-Fi, don’t have a data plan, or they’ve lost their cell signal. It eliminates the need for paper maps and makes it impossible for the visitor to get lost,” the Ports Authority further explained.
According to the BVIPA, the app has also been embedded with technology that allows it to detect when guests have departed the BVI and it automatically follows-up collecting feedback about their visits.
App protects users’ privacy
In addition, the Ports Authority further guaranteed all users of the application that their data will be safe guarded, as the app is completely anonymous and protects users’ privacy.
“BVI Now doesn’t ask the user’s name, address, phone number or email address. No personally identifiable data is collected. The app was launched in a public-private partnership, at no cost to BVI taxpayers,” the BVIPA stated.
BVI Now is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.