Who says you can’t take sand to the beach? The 2018 Miami Open, embraced the BVI Tourist Board when they took the territory to Miami.  A sequel to its first prominent participation last year, the BVI was the exclusive Caribbean destination sponsor at this prestigious event held in Key Biscayne, Florida which took place on March 19 – April 1. The BVI sponsored the daily weather forecast in Key Biscayne.  Prior to each match, the weather forecast was posted on the Miami Open’s Instagram story.  Additionally, patrons were able to sip the world’s famous BVI Painkiller while shaded under branded umbrellas with their toes in the warm sand at the BVI Beach Bar.

The tournament welcomed over 300,000 guests to watch all-time greats – Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams. The BVI Tourist Board branding was prominently displayed at the main entrance on the sponsor board, exhibition booth, speed serve cage, beach bar, video board, and court level side walls.

Located next to the BVI branded exhibition booth, visitors had the opportunity to showcase and test their tennis speed serve skills.  While doing this, they showed their support to the BVI recovery, as proceeds went towards the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund. 

Clad in the territorial wear designed and made by local designer, Kristen Fraser of Trefle, the BVITB staff distributed giveaways at the Gate C entrance and participated in on-court promotions. The crowd was also wowed by a steel pan player at the BVI Beach Bar and colourfully costumed moko jumbies who danced, posed for pictures with patrons and assisted in distributing the giveaways.  On March 24, 27, and 28, a total of four trips to the BVI were awarded to lucky attendees between matches before the thousands of fans in attendance. All giveaways were provided by our partners, Scrub Island Resort and Spa, MarineMax Charter Vacation, The Moorings, and C&D Powerboat.

On March 28, the BVI Tourist Board hosted 23 VIPs, including friends of the BVI and individuals from the travel industry who enjoyed cocktails in the beautifully decorated BVI inspired hospitality suite.  The guests were able to sample the BVI Painkiller.

The fun-filled event afforded the destination with additional exposure through Miami based ride-sharing company, Freebee.  Visitors toured Brickell, Wynwood, Design District, Bayside, and South Beach on the BVI branded Freebee vehicles.  Passengers learned about what the destination has to offer from BVI representatives and a video of the destination was shown at the beginning of each trip.

Excited about the response at the Miami Open, Director of Tourism, Sharon Flax Brutus said, “The enthusiasm for the BVI that prospective guests expressed during the Miami Open is truly inspiring.  We value the relationship we have developed with them.”

The Miami Open is a mega event that attracts a notable audience from around the world.  Thus, creating the perfect opportunity to showcase the British Virgin Islands.

Notes:

About the British Virgin Islands

An archipelago comprised of 60 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located approximately 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, in the northwestern region of the Caribbean Sea. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town, located on Tortola, is the British Virgin Islands’ capital.

Renowned as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, the BVI’s dynamic and vast topography provides a unique opportunity to “island hop” with ease — with each island characterized by its own cultural and natural wonders. Among these attractions are The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Anegada’s Flamingo Pond, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola’s Sage Mountain. Destination highlights also include world-class yachting, snorkeling, hiking, sustainable tourism and, for diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean’s most stunning wreck dives, such as the RMS Rhone.

A pristine and romantic island paradise evoking a bygone era, the British Virgin Islands are nonetheless easily accessible for U.S. travelers flying into Tortola/Beef Island’s Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) via frequent connecting service from nearby Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin. Visitors traveling to the BVI from St. Thomas can also travel via ferry. Despite its status as a United Kingdom territory, the BVI conveniently uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

For more information on all that the British Virgin Islands have to offer, visit the official BVI Tourist Board website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530.