Press Release

Premier's Office
BVI Tourist Board
Topics: 
Tourism
Release Date:
Monday, 13 July 2015 - 10:00am

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board (BVITB) is excited to share news that Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda have earned the top rankings in Travel + Leisure’s 2015 World’s Best Awards. Jost Van Dyke was awarded the No. 2 spot while Virgin Gorda followed in the No. 3 ranking this year for Top Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. These spots were awarded based on surveys conducted by readers who marked their rankings based on natural attractions, beaches, activities, sites, restaurants, food, people, friendliness, and value.

“We are indeed excited about this recognition because it is a reminder to the world that Destination British Virgin Islands is the ideal vacation spot to enjoy life. For us to be lauded by Travel and Leisure, a major publication in the United States, speaks volume to the commitment that our people, our industry and my Government have placed on tourism. I congratulate the people and businesses on Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda for ensuring that our visitors are exposed to exceptional and memorable experiences,” stated the Premier, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE.

Additionally, Scrub Island Resort & Spa and Rosewood Little Dix Bay were among the Top 25 World’s Best Hotels based on readers’ rankings of rooms, facilities, locations, service, restaurants, food, and value of hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

“We are honoured to receive such high accolades from Travel + Leisure, a publication that is renowned around the globe,” said Sharon Flax-Mars, Director of Tourism. “The esteem for our islands and cays continues to radiate and we applaud our tourism industry and community for their vigilance in helping us to be recognised as a treasure in the Caribbean.”

To view the complete list of Travel + Leisure’s 2015 World’s Best Awards you may visit:  http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/islands#overall

About the British Virgin Islands

An archipelago comprised of 60 islands and cays, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located approximately 50 miles east of Puerto Rico, in the northwestern region of the Caribbean Sea. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Road Town, located on Tortola, is the British Virgin Islands’ capital.

Renowned as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, the BVI’s dynamic and vast topography provides a unique opportunity to “island hop” with ease — with each island characterized by its own cultural and natural wonders. Among these attractions are The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Anegada’s Flamingo Pond, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola’s Sage Mountain. Destination highlights also include world-class yachting, snorkeling, hiking, sustainable tourism and, for diving enthusiasts, the Caribbean’s most stunning wreck dives, such as the RMS Rhone.

A pristine and romantic island paradise evoking a bygone era, the British Virgin Islands are nonetheless easily accessible for U.S. travelers flying into Tortola/Beef Island’s Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) via frequent connecting service from nearby Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts or St. Maarten/St. Martin. Visitors traveling to the BVI from St. Thomas can also travel via ferry. Despite its status as a United Kingdom territory, the BVI conveniently uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

For more information on all that the British Virgin Islands have to offer, visit the official BVI Tourist Board website at www.bvitourism.com or contact 1-800-835-8530.

Contact: Kaletha Henry
Public Relations Coordinator
BVI Tourist Board
(284) 541-6070
khenry@bvitourism.com