The British Virgin Islands has welcomed a new boating event aimed at attracting visitors from Puerto Rico during one of the Territory’s traditionally slower tourism periods.
The inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover brought members of the Puerto Rico Whaler Owners Club to the BVI from September 4 to 7 for four days of boating, island-hopping and activities across the Territory.
Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr. Natalio Wheatley welcomed participants during the opening of the event and said the initiative could help strengthen the BVI’s relationship with the Puerto Rican market beyond the popular Christmas in July celebration.
Wheatley said discussions with organisers Tommy and Natalia had focused on finding ways to encourage more visitors from Puerto Rico to travel to the BVI during the slower months.
“I put the challenge to Tommy and to Natalia. I didn’t expect it to be pulled off so quickly,” the Premier said, congratulating the organisers for bringing the event together.
A total of 15 boats and more than 45 participants took part in the takeover, with activities held at Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, Scrub Island and White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.
Participants also benefited from special accommodation and marina rates offered by several properties across the Territory.
The event is being viewed as an opportunity to generate economic activity during September, when many tourism businesses traditionally reduce operations or close for the month.
With visitors arriving by boat, the event created potential business for a range of tourism-related operators, including marinas, restaurants, hotels, taxi operators, charter companies and other local vendors.
Wheatley said he hopes the event will become a regular feature on the BVI’s tourism calendar.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of The Virgin Islands, I want to thank both of you. And I want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in this first Boston Whaler Takeover of the BVI,” he said.
“I want you to do this every year. We would welcome you with open arms.”
The Premier also highlighted the importance of the Puerto Rican market to the Territory’s tourism industry, pointing to the success of this year’s Christmas in July celebration.
“We had the biggest Christmas in July ever this year. We’re so grateful for the event. It does so much for our economy,” Wheatley said.
He added that the Government wants to continue strengthening ties between the BVI and Puerto Rico and said it is prepared to support initiatives that can build that relationship.
Tomas Dardet, the BVI Tourist Board’s representative for the Puerto Rico market, said the event was developed as another opportunity to connect the two destinations following Christmas in July.
“We wanted to do something for the Territory after Christmas in July, and the Premier issued the challenge to hold an event in September. We have succeeded in hosting this event,” Dardet said.
Natalia Castro, Chief Marketing Officer for Wally Castro Marine, also welcomed the partnership.
“We are delighted to partner with the BVI and to strengthen this special relationship. We love coming to the BVI,” Castro said.
The Government says the inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover demonstrates how targeted events can attract visitors and stimulate economic activity outside the traditional peak tourism season.
Wheatley said he expects the initiative to help create new opportunities for local businesses while deepening the Territory’s relationship with the Puerto Rican boating community.