Business View Caribbean - Dec 2023

44 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 “The Airports Authority plays a pivotal role in this committee, directly contributing to the overall tourism development strategy,” he explains. This partnership extends to negotiating airline services at international conferences, further enhancing the BVI’s accessibility. Menal highlights introducing a regional carrier starting in June 2024, aiming to enhance Caribbean connections and diversify tourism, catering to high-end travelers and visiting friends and relatives. The service is aimed at addressing the gap left by LIAT. WinAir is increasing its capacity, while Intercaribbean, the largest carrier at Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, is crucial in regional connectivity, offering links throughout the Caribbean and to Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo. Menal emphasizes the importance of nurturing these airline partnerships, ensuring they are mutually beneficial and support the dynamic growth of tourism in the British Virgin Islands. COLLABORATIVE SYNERGY WITH THE PORTS AUTHORITY The British Virgin Islands Airports Authority and the BVI Ports Authority, pivotal to the region’s connectivity and economic vitality, share a unique relationship, as Menal elaborates. This collaboration is a matter of logistics and a strategic alignment to boost the BVI’s appeal as a tourist destination. “We have what could be termed a friendly competition with the Ports Authority,” he starts, outlining the nature of the relationship. Both authorities operate under the Ministry of Communications and Work, sharing the same minister and a unified mandate to enhance the economy and connectivity of the BVI. This alignment fosters a productive interplay between air and sea travel, which is crucial for the region’s accessibility.