Visitor numbers between January and July were up 27.3 percent over the same period last year, government announced Monday.
Data from the Central Statistics Office revealed 280,876 overnight visitors during the period this year compared to 270,325 in 2015. This reflects a 3.9 percent increase.
The larger growth, however, came in cruise ship passengers, 444,200 of whom visited from January to July 2016 compared to 300,750 for the same period in 2015 — an increase of 47.7 percent.
The number of day-trippers over the same period was 10,011 compared to 6,427. This represents an increase of 55.8 percent.
Overall, the data reveal an additional 157,585 more travellers between January and July this year: 735,087 to last year’s 577,502.
Premier Dr. Orlando Smith praised the news.
“It must be noted that even with the closure of Rosewood Little Dix Bay, the territory has still been able to experience growth, largely due to the successful implementation of various strategies by the BVI Tourist Board as a tactical response to counteract the decrease in accommodations inventory, including strong promotions in the areas of yachting and villa/vacation home rentals,” he said.
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