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
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