Get Recommendations For Your Trip
Popular Destinations
United States Tourism
U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism
Tourism has been the lifeblood of the British Virgin Islands economic development since 1958, when a consultant encouraged Government to explore it as an alternative development strategy. But the defining moment in the introduction of tourism to our country came in 1964, with the opening of a 50-room luxury hotel called Little Dix Bay Hotel on Virgin Gorda, by Mr. Lawrence Rockefeller. This was quickly followed up by the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge on Beef Island, and a seaplane service to Tortola from the U.S.V.I.
The period 1966-1970 was dedicated to the construction of infrastructure to accommodate tourism expansion. In particular, there was the construction of Virgin Gorda airport and the expansion of the Beef Island airport by the Royal Engineers. During this period of the development of supportive transport infrastructure we also saw the establishment of industry associations. The highlight of this period was the formation of the BVI Hotel & Commerce Association, with a membership of 12 hotels representing 350 beds.
It was during the 1970’s that tourism in the British Virgin Islands expanded to take full advantage of the marine assets. Bare boating was developed and the country had carved out a niche for tourism. This period saw the opening of the Moorings, the largest and oldest charter yacht company. In 1974, there were six charter yacht companies, with 123 boats. By 1998, tourism had been replaced as the major economic sector, to become the other twin pillar with financial services.
The period 1966-1970 was dedicated to the construction of infrastructure to accommodate tourism expansion. In particular, there was the construction of Virgin Gorda airport and the expansion of the Beef Island airport by the Royal Engineers. During this period of the development of supportive transport infrastructure we also saw the establishment of industry associations. The highlight of this period was the formation of the BVI Hotel & Commerce Association, with a membership of 12 hotels representing 350 beds.
It was during the 1970’s that tourism in the British Virgin Islands expanded to take full advantage of the marine assets. Bare boating was developed and the country had carved out a niche for tourism. This period saw the opening of the Moorings, the largest and oldest charter yacht company. In 1974, there were six charter yacht companies, with 123 boats. By 1998, tourism had been replaced as the major economic sector, to become the other twin pillar with financial services.
