Above: BVI Premier Dr Orlando Smith making a presentation in Brazil

By the Caribbean Journal staff

British Virgin Islands Premier Dr Orlando Smith led a delegation to Brazil this weekend, looking to highlight the territory’s tourism sector to a burgeoning South American market.

The delegation led by Smith visited cities including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, culminating with a presentation at Travel Week Rio, a travel industry trade show.

The BVI government said the delegation met with more than 200 travel agents and tour operators in Brazil, hosting a dinner for the owners of 10 major tour operators in Brazil, among other initiatives.

“The response was very positive and the travel community was very receptive to learning about the BVI product offering as it represents what Brazilian travellers are seeking in a vacation,” said Worldwide Marketing Consultant, Nerdin St Rose, who recently began working with the BVI. “South America is an emerging market and these nationals are looking for alternative vacation options from the ordinary. They have started traveling to the Caribbean and as such, it is imperative that the BVI has a strong presence so that it will be in the consideration set especially for those travelers who have not heard of, or knew very little about the islands.

St Rose said some agencies in Brazil had recently signed contracts with hotels in the BVI.

That followed a move in September by the BVI to retain the services of JG Black Book Travel, which has offices in Brazil and Argentina, to work with the BVI Tourist Board.

“This is an opportune time for the British Virgin Islands to be promoted in South America. The unique composition of our islands and cays, our vast tourism product, and our beautiful beaches offer South American travelers an escape like no other,” said Director of Tourism, Sharon Flax-Mars. “Our presence will enable us to increase awareness of the BVI and our visibility between Brazil, Argentina and Mexico which will ultimately lead to more arrivals from these countries.”