The Virgin Islands has welcomed the inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover, a new boating event aimed at attracting visitors from Puerto Rico during September, traditionally one of the slowest periods of the Territory’s tourism season.
The event brought members of the Puerto Rico Whaler Owners Club to the British Virgin Islands from September 4 to 7 for four days of island-hopping, social activities and exploration across the Territory.
Premier and Minister of Tourism, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, welcomed participants at the opening of the event and described the initiative as an important opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between Puerto Rico and the BVI beyond the popular annual Christmas in July celebration.
According to Premier Wheatley, the idea emerged from discussions with organisers Tommy and Natalia about finding additional ways to encourage Puerto Rican visitors to travel to the Territory, particularly during the traditionally quieter tourism months.
“A few months ago, I sat down with Tommy and Natalia, and we thought about the fact that we wanted to be able to do a little more with the Puerto Rico-BVI connection, especially when things slow down a lot in the BVI,” the Premier said.
He explained that he challenged the organisers to develop an event capable of bringing visitors to the Territory during September.
“I put the challenge to Tommy and Natalia. I didn’t expect it to be pulled off so quickly. It’s amazing what you all were able to do,” Wheatley stated.
Visitors Explore Multiple BVI Islands
A total of 15 boats carrying more than 45 participants travelled to the Territory for the inaugural event.
Activities were held at several locations, including Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, Scrub Island and White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Participants also benefited from special accommodation and marina rates offered by several properties throughout the Territory.
The event comes at a time when many tourism-related businesses traditionally reduce operations or temporarily close during the slower September period.
However, initiatives such as the Boston Whaler Takeover could create additional opportunities for hotels, marinas, restaurants, taxi operators, charter companies, vendors and other businesses that remain open during the off-season.
Premier Wheatley said the Government hopes the event will become an annual fixture on the BVI tourism calendar.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of The Virgin Islands, I want to thank both of you. And I want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in this first Boston Whaler Takeover of the BVI,” he said.
“I want you to do this every year. We would welcome you with open arms. And I just want to see this relationship continue to blossom.”
Strengthening the Puerto Rico-BVI Connection
The Premier also reaffirmed the importance of Puerto Rico as a tourism market for the Virgin Islands and pointed to the continued success of the annual Christmas in July celebrations.
“We had the biggest Christmas in July ever this year. We’re so grateful for the event. It does so much for our economy,” Wheatley said.
“We love Puerto Rico. We love Puerto Ricans. And we just want to continue to see that relationship grow and blossom. Whatever we can do on the BVI side to strengthen it, we are certainly willing to do.”
Tomas Dardet, the BVI Tourist Board’s representative for the Puerto Rico market, said the event was developed following discussions about creating another major opportunity for Puerto Rican visitors beyond Christmas in July.
“We wanted to do something for the Territory after Christmas in July, and the Premier issued the challenge to hold an event in September,” Dardet said. “We have succeeded in hosting this event.”
Natalia Castro, Chief Marketing Officer for Wally Castro Marine, also welcomed the partnership and the growing relationship between Puerto Rico and the BVI.
“We are delighted to partner with the BVI and to strengthen this special relationship,” Castro said. “We love coming to the BVI.”
The inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover demonstrates the potential for targeted events to generate visitor arrivals and economic activity outside the Territory’s traditional peak tourism season.
With the support of participants, tourism stakeholders and the Government, organisers are hoping the event will return annually, creating another bridge between Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands while generating new opportunities for local businesses during one of the Territory’s quietest months.