Premier of the Virgin Islands Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley stated that the upcoming inaugural Tourism Summit 2025 will allow for high-level discourse on critical issues that will shape the Territory’s tourism policy and strategy.

The Virgin Islands will host the summit on January 16 and 17 at the Peter Island Resort and is the product of a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, and the British Virgin Islands Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIYHTA).

Premier Wheatley who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Tourism said the event marks a defining moment in the Territory’s continued evolution as a leading global tourism destination and underscores the importance of strategic collaboration across the sector.

He emphasised the event's timely and vital nature, given the transformative role that tourism continues to play in the Territory’s economic and social fabric.

The Premier said, “The Virgin Islands has long benefited from a thriving tourism sector that has proven resilient in the face of global challenges. Yet, as we look to the future, it is clear that our approach must be both innovative and adaptive. The inaugural Tourism Summit presents a crucial opportunity to engage in high-level discourse on the critical issues that will shape our tourism policy and strategy in the coming years.”

Premier Wheatley said the significance of this gathering transcends addressing the sector’s immediate concerns and allows for a strategic forum for long-term planning.

“Our goal is to ensure that the Virgin Islands remains not only a premier destination but a model of sustainable tourism that integrates our cultural and environmental priorities with a global vision” he said, adding, “The collective insights gathered through this summit will inform policies and initiatives that will guide the future of tourism in the Virgin Islands, ensuring its continued relevance and resilience in an ever-changing global landscape.”

The summit seeks to foster robust dialogue, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and chart a forward-thinking, stakeholder-led agenda for the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in the Virgin Islands.

The event will bring together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors and will feature panel discussions and targeted breakout sessions on critical themes such as “The Government's Role in Tourism” and “Visitor Management and Tourist Experiences.”

The sessions will be led by distinguished local and regional tourism experts, who will offer invaluable perspectives on emerging trends, best practices, and the complexities of tourism management in a dynamic global economy.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development is dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering economic growth. With a focus on community engagement, the ministry works to create policies and initiatives that support the responsible development of the tourism sector.