The July cohort of the 2025 BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme has concluded with enthusiastic reviews from student participants and praise from partner hospitality businesses. As the first month wrapped up, the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) welcomed the August group of interns with renewed excitement.

Now in its second year, the BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme was launched by the BVITBFC in 2024 to provide hands-on training and exposure to various aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry. The initiative offers Virgin Islands youth aged 17–20 the opportunity to gain valuable experience in areas such as Front Office and Hotel Management, Concierge Services, Food & Beverage, Customer Service, and Housekeeping.

Spanning 1st July to 31st August 2025, the programme is structured to immerse interns in both front- and back-of-house operations at leading resorts and tourism businesses across the Territory. It aims to cultivate a passion for tourism and hospitality among young Virgin Islanders while equipping them with the skills and insight to pursue careers in the sector.

One standout intern, Ms. Auri-Ana Elshabbaz, reflected positively on her experience at Peter Island Resort & Marina. “This was a great experience, and I am overjoyed that the management at Peter Island Resort & Marina was very pleased with my work ethic and offered me an opportunity to work at the resort,” said Ms. Elshabbaz, who currently serves as the BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism. “I encourage young people to look at careers in tourism—it is exciting and rewarding.” Ms. Elshabbaz earned the ambassador title after winning the annual BVI Junior Ambassador of Tourism debate competition held in May.

Director of Tourism, Mr. Clive McCoy, shared his support for the initiative: “We are extremely proud of the students who participated in this year’s internship programme. The feedback from interns, the community, and our tourism industry partners has been overwhelmingly positive. Programmes like this give our youth essential exposure to the real-world demands and opportunities of the tourism sector,” said Mr. McCoy. “We are deeply grateful to our tourism and hospitality partners for their collaboration. Their commitment makes this programme possible.”

The July cohort included: Charity Rymer – Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Chanecia Pinnock – Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Auri-Ana Elshabbaz – Peter Island Resort & Marina, and Shajayla Hodge – Nanny Cay Resort.

The August cohort includes Naomi Onwufuju, Jayla Winter and Roman Nibbs – Scrub Island Resort,

Jessee Cockburn – Nanny Cay Resort, and Victoria Maloney – Necker Island.

The BVITBFC issued a call earlier this year for students aged 17–20 with a passion for tourism and hospitality to apply for this one-month paid internship. With its growing success and strong industry support, the BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing future leaders in the Territory’s most important economic sector.

For more information on the BVI Tourism Summer Internship Programme and future opportunities, please contact the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission.

About the British Virgin Islands

Known as a treasured destination rich in undiscovered experiences, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an alluring archipelago comprising 60 islands and cays located in the northeastern region of the Caribbean Sea. With plentiful private villas and luxury boutique resorts, there is no shortage of accommodations from which to choose, whether for leisure or MICE (meetings, events, and incentives) travel. The BVI has long been hailed as the sailing capital of the world for its line-of-sight sailing, myriad boat charter options (bareboat, crewed, powered, traditional hoisted sail), and an array of experiences catering especially to yachties. The

destination’s unparalleled offerings continue to garner global recognition. Recent accolades include making The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2025" list, being named one of "Top Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas" in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, being named as the “Hottest Destination of 2025” in Modern Luxury’s 2025 Best of Luxury Travel Awards and consistently ranking among U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean," including #2 for 2021-2022. For more information on how to experience the BVI, visit the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530.