Since the appointment of new members in December, the BVI Tourist Board has focused on getting its fiscal house in order and giving the territory an edge in the global tourism market, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith said in a statement to the House of Assembly on Friday.
The premier listed multiple areas in the tourism industry the board is “working assiduously to address:” increasing air access; closely regulating the board’s fiscal house; assisting small, locally owned properties and businesses in the territory; and marketing the VI at a global level.
The board’s finances are a “key” priority, Dr. Smith said. In an effort to rebuild the BVITB’s credibility in the marketplace, an important step is to establish an annual cash flow and disbursement schedule in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, he added.
Dr. Smith also said new policies would be implemented to govern board members’ travel and use of cell phones and credit cards.
“These policies and others have led to a much greater sense of accountability at the board,” Dr. Smith said.
Meanwhile, work has already begun to complete BVITB audits from 1998 to 2011 before the end of the year, according to the premier.
See the July 5, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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