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Eligible Virgin Islanders developing their first visitor-accommodation business will gain access to investment concessions under a new programme announced by the Government.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley unveiled the First-Time Tourism Villa Owners Programme during his 2027 Budget Address on October 27, saying tourism growth must create opportunities for local ownership.
“As tourism grows, our people must see a place for themselves as owners,” Wheatley said.
The programme is intended to help Virgin Islanders enter the accommodation sector by facilitating access to concessions normally available to investors.
For landowners unable to afford development, the Premier said the initiative could provide an opportunity to establish a business and generate income.
“For someone who has land but lacks the resources to develop it, this can open a path from an idle asset to an enterprise and a family income,” he stated.
His announcement did not specify the concessions to be offered, the application process or when the programme would begin.
The initiative comes as provisional Government figures show the Territory welcomed 1,071,716 visitors from January to September 2026, up 28.3 per cent over the same period last year.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley unveiled the First-Time Tourism Villa Owners Programme during his 2027 Budget Address on October 27, saying tourism growth must create opportunities for local ownership.
“As tourism grows, our people must see a place for themselves as owners,” Wheatley said.
The programme is intended to help Virgin Islanders enter the accommodation sector by facilitating access to concessions normally available to investors.
For landowners unable to afford development, the Premier said the initiative could provide an opportunity to establish a business and generate income.
“For someone who has land but lacks the resources to develop it, this can open a path from an idle asset to an enterprise and a family income,” he stated.
His announcement did not specify the concessions to be offered, the application process or when the programme would begin.
The initiative comes as provisional Government figures show the Territory welcomed 1,071,716 visitors from January to September 2026, up 28.3 per cent over the same period last year.
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