British Virgin Islands launches agents training programme
The British Virgin Islands has launched a travel agency training programme in the UK to ensure it gains from the recent upturn in bookings to the Caribbean.
New tourism director Sharon Flax-Mars, who was in London this week to visiting tour operators, said her aim was for one or two people in every office to have first-hand knowledge of the islands.
Agents who complete the online training and take two bookings for the BVIs qualify for a fam trip.
Ginny Hawksley, who was appointed manager of the Briish Virgin Islands’ London office last June, said she had already trained 250 agents.
"One of the messages we want to get across is that the BVIs aren’t all about top-end luxury," said Hawksley. "We do have the luxury product, but we also have places where you can stay for £100 per night, with breakfast."
Recent figures from luxury tour operators show an increase in bookings to the BVI with Elegant Resorts up 162%, Azure 60% and ITC Classics, 121%.
The three latest operators to feature the BVIs are Tropical Sky, Prestige Caribbean and Turquoise Holidays.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism
WTTC global tourism reached record economic impact of 11 trillion in 2025
Marginal increase for New York City tourism in 2025