GROWTH PLANS OF AIRPORTS AUTHORITY SET TO BOLSTER BVI ECONOMY
GROWTH PLANS OF AIRPORTS AUTHORITY SET TO BOLSTER BVI ECONOMY
AVIATION BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS
AUTHORITY
PROJECT
DIRECTED BY: GARY SMITH
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a premier Caribbean destination celebrated for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes.
Made up of over 60 islands and cays, the BVI offers a paradise for explorers and water sports and yachting enthusiasts, with the iconic Baths on Virgin Gorda and the vibrant coral reefs of Anegada among the top attractions.
Rich in history and culture, the islands offer unique experiences attractive to all ages, as well as a host of vibrant, local cuisines. In fact, it’s said that you can have breakfast on one island, lunch on another, and dinner taking in the views of another. Perhaps there’s even room for a night-cap elsewhere!
In 2023, the islands saw a 50.9% uplift in stop-over visitors, increasing from around 173,200 in 2022 to a staggering 261,445 in 2023. With over 5,500 rooms across the archipelago, many of which are in luxury resorts and on yachts, there are plenty of opportunities to find rest across the BVI.
Tropical Rentals
Tropical Rentals, founded in 1997 by the late Keithley and Ethelyn Parker in the British Virgin Islands, began with just three cars under the National brand. From these humble beginnings, the company has grown significantly under the leadership of one of their sons, Allan Parker, who took over the business in 2009 after the passing of his father. Allan’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in driving the company's expansion and success.
In 2012, Tropical Rentals welcomed Alamo to its portfolio, effectively doubling its rental opportunities and significantly expanding its fleet. This growth continued, and by 2019, Enterprise had joined the lineup, further diversifying the range of vehicles offered and cementing Tropical Rentals' reputation as a comprehensive rental service provider. Today, Tropical Rentals is the official Enterprise holder in the British Virgin Islands, offering a wide
selection of vehicles to meet various customer needs, including compact cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles.
Tropical Rentals has three convenient locations at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda; and provides both short-term and longterm rental needs, accommodating families, business travellers, and vacationers with affordable rates and flexible terms. Looking to the future, Tropical Rentals plans to open a new branch at VI Motors on Tortola, enhancing its service capabilities and accessibility.
With a commitment to providing reliable and diverse rental options, Tropical Rentals continues to build on its strong foundation, offering exceptional service and a wide range of vehicles to meet the evolving needs of its customers in the British Virgin Islands.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
It’s no surprise then, that tourism is a significant contributor to the British Virgin Islands' economy, accounting for around half of its GDP. This sector provides a major source of employment and revenue, underscoring its critical role in the BVI's economic stability and growth.
Partnering with other key players in the aviation sector, the British Virgin Island Airports authority (BVIAA) recognises the value it brings, not only to increasing tourism across the islands, but ensuring economic growth for the BVI and its people. Shortly approaching its 20th year in operation, and guided by its Managing Director, Kurt Menal, the BVIAA is scaling its operations to bolster the islands’ economic security.
Meeting Burgeoning Demand
Owning and operating all of the airports across the BVI, including Terrance B. Lettsome International (Tortola), Auguste George (Anegada), and Virgin Gorda (Virgin Gorda). Of the visitors it welcomes into the airports, 60% are made up of commercial flights, and 40% from highend aviation.
“We are aware of the valuable contribution tourism plays in the BVI, and our role in facilitating this,” explained Kurt, speaking with Business Enquirer, “we are currently undergoing many operational developments in order to improve the airports’ offering, as well as awareness campaigns to attract visitors to the BVI. It’s a very exciting time”.
A major development at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is the introduction of direct, non-stop flights into the BVI. The first of these flights took place in June 2023, with American Airlines introducing a daily, direct flight from Miami thereby also increasing access to the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S.
“This development has been a catalyst for other airlines to consider direct flights into the BVI, as well as an increased need for expansion at our facilities,” shared Kurt.
The Airports Authority has recently partnered with airline operators such as InterCaribbean Airways and Caribbean Airlines Ltd to tap into hubs across the Caribbean.
Managing Director, Kurt Menal
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
AVIATION
“These partnerships and developments are enabling us to expand our reach and enhance connectivity. The enhanced throughput that we will see will also support our financial sustainability,” Kurt continued.
Ensuring that Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is well equipped to manage ever-increasing passenger traffic, BVIAA is currently developing a business case to support the extension of its existing runway, which currently stands at just over 1400 meters.
“Given that we want that connection to the Eastern Seaboard in particular, it is imperative that we extend our runway and further develop our airport to meet that natural demand that resides with the BVI,” Kurt added.
Key to the Airports authority’s success is
ensuring that customer service, safety, and operational efficiency remain high, despite increased footfall.
To do so, BVIAA has a roster of ongoing work at its terminals, such as improved comfort with more seating, a new conveyor belt at Arrivals to support increased baggage, and creating a larger space in Customs and Immigration.
Additionally, BVIAA is in the process of moving one of its major fixed base operators (FBO) from the main terminal building at Terrance B. Lettsome to a standalone facility.
“This means the operator will have more space, supporting them in upgrading the level of service that they provide to customers. This of course enhances the profile of the BVI Airports Authority and our international airports,” explained Kurt.
Founded in the 1980s, Island Department Store began as a modest 200-square-foot single-story structure selling a limited selection of household supplies to people on the island's east end.
Fast forward to 2024, and the company has expanded to over 110,000 square feet, with half of that space dedicated to customers and spanning two floors, making it one of the largest retail companies in the B.V.I.
Island Department Store sells small household items such as cutlery, glassware, plasticware, garden supplies, bathroom and bedroom items, toys and games, cleaning supplies, mats and rugs. Office supplies include desks, chairs, file cabinets, pens, and shredders, as well as larger equipment like washers, dryers, display coolers, fridges, and freezers.
The furniture department is among the top three major furniture shops to date in the B.V.I. selling bedroom sets, living room sets, dining room sets, patio goods, and accessories.
The purpose of Island Department Store has always been to provide the people of the British Virgin Islands with a wide selection of items in a convenient, comfortable, clean, and peaceful atmosphere.
At I.D.S we carry just about everything to make your house a home, from household items to small and large appliances. We also have a large selection furniture located on our second floor including patio items, bedroom, living room etc
STORE HOURS & ORDERS Duffs Bottom, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110, British Virgin Islands Our store is open from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday- Saturday.
AVIATION BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Increasing Exposure to Aviation
Highlighting BVIAA’s clear progress within the aviation industry, the Government of the Virgin Islands recently hosted the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Day, organised by the Airports Council International - Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC) in collaboration with the BVIAA.
This landmark event brought together leading airport industry executives and authorities from across the world to discuss key topics such as air service development, maximising general
aviation potential, and best practices in airport concessions.
“This was a first-of-its-kind event in the BVI, which highlighted an exciting milestone for the Caribbean aviation industry and provided a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and advancing the region's airport infrastructure and operations,” shared Kurt.
With tourism offering plenty of employment opportunities across the BVI, Kurt considers exposure of those opportunities to the local community as
AVIATION BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
crucial to building a sustainable operation.
“The development plans we have at BVIAA would represent arguably the biggest capital project in BVI’s history, this also offers a wealth of opportunity to our residents in terms of employment and increasing their own income,” explained Kurt.
These opportunities not only represent those available directly at the airport as well as its on-site operators, but also opportunities directly and in-directly related to the planned construction.
On closing his conversation with Business Enquirer, Kurt had one final message:
“The BVI is a diverse economic and tourist destination that I would encourage everybody to visit. Come and enjoy the beauty and the warmth of the islands and its wonderful people”.
www.bviaacloud.com
www.bviaacloud.com
