McCoy said during the official virtual launch of their new ‘BVI Love’ brand campaign on Monday, September 21, the general public will be engaged through training programmes, surveys and town hall meetings.

He explained, “As we reopen our borders, we will work to ensure that everyone is aware of the protocols for reopening our industry, for our visitors, for our industry partners and us as a destination. We have done our homework. We have observed what has worked for other destinations: the technology, the practices, the regulations, the financial requisites, etc. and tailor-made our protocols to our unique product and circumstances; With BVI Love, we are ready.”

He informed that the BVITB is in the process of establishing a BVI Love Gold Seal Programme in conjunction with the BVI Chamber of Commerce and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, “to ensure that our training and standards are above what is required and to be able to market our destination and our tourism businesses as going above and beyond.”

McCoy also said there will be quarterly meetings with the stakeholders to receive feedback and increase the collaboration as the date draws nearer.

The New Brand

The BVITB Director said the new ‘BVI Love’ brand is aimed at strengthening and preparing the industry to survive in this new era.

“BVILOVE is the clarion call for Tourism to take on a new look, a new feel, a new image and a new perspective. BVILOVE’s campaign is designed to bolster BVI’s image locally, regionally and abroad by focusing on what makes the BVI a special destination and business jurisdiction. BVILOVE is what binds us together. It is a reminder that we are unique.”

He added, “BVILOVE is a call to action, to grow, to be better, to stand firm where we are excellent, to revamp and improve on where we were yesterday, to modernise, to focus on our strong points, and to remember that our resilient BVILOVE is what keeps us going.”

Full Plan Coming

Meanwhile, Chair of the BVITB Kenisha Sprauve said the entity has already drafted its reopening policy and protocols, and it is now going through the approval process.

“Very shortly, we will launch our cohesive plan of action as we work together with our partners and execute at the highest levels in ‘The New Regular’. We intend as a tourism industry to grow to be the best at our size and price point. We intend to punch above our weight and consistently grow in competitiveness,” she remarked.

Technology Will Be Used

Premier Hon. Andrew Fahie said technology along with testing would be used in the reopening process in an effort to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the event it arrives in the territory through travellers.

“The concentration must be to use the technology through a simulation prior, to demonstrate that the technology will complement the science to greatly assist us in reopening the safest way humanly possible.”

He said contact tracing methods would be available through technology and the system will be tested multiple times before the reopening date.

“That is why we need the time to ensure the measures that are going to be put in place are working effectively,” he pointed out.