“We have not developed the product in which those persons could really enjoy,” Penn said.
Despite record cruise arrivals to the Virgin Islands, concerns are growing that the Territory has failed to develop enough attractions, heritage sites and tourism experiences to keep visitors spending once they come ashore.
The warning comes as Opposition Leader Marlon Penn argues that the Virgin Islands’ tourism product has stagnated, leaving the Territory underperforming while regional competitors surge ahead.
“We have not developed the product in which those persons could really enjoy,” Penn said, pointing to longstanding discussions around creating heritage-based tours and attractions.
Penn highlighted Turks and Caicos, where tourism revenues reportedly generate between $300 million and $400 million directly, while the Virgin Islands continues to lag despite its untapped potential.
“We need to advance the Territory’s tourism,” he said.
Among the missed opportunities, Penn pointed to the Dungeons, where owners have reportedly expressed interest in partnering with government to transform the historic site into a visitor attraction showcasing the Virgin Islands’ heritage.
He also referenced unfinished plans to develop the East End/Long Look Heritage Site, which never materialised following a change in administration.
The criticism extends beyond cruise tourism. Penn argued that the Territory has seen few major developments in recent years, saying projects such as Oil Nut Bay and Scrub Island were advanced under the former National Democratic Party (NDP) administration.
He noted that the long-discussed Prospect Reef redevelopment remains unrealised.
“We continue to talk about major developments in tourism and the hotel space,” Penn said.
According to Penn, stronger investment in tourism infrastructure, attractions and overnight accommodations is critical to creating a more vibrant economy and expanding opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
“If you have a strong economy, an economy is vibrant, persons within the Territory would get the opportunities from that developed economy,” he added.
Earlier in the month, Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer disclosed that, confirmed bookings for 2026 indicate that the Virgin Islands will receive a record 52 cruise calls during the summer period. He said this will bring an estimated 165,700 passengers to the Territory’s shores.
The warning comes as Opposition Leader Marlon Penn argues that the Virgin Islands’ tourism product has stagnated, leaving the Territory underperforming while regional competitors surge ahead.
“We have not developed the product in which those persons could really enjoy,” Penn said, pointing to longstanding discussions around creating heritage-based tours and attractions.
Penn highlighted Turks and Caicos, where tourism revenues reportedly generate between $300 million and $400 million directly, while the Virgin Islands continues to lag despite its untapped potential.
“We need to advance the Territory’s tourism,” he said.
Among the missed opportunities, Penn pointed to the Dungeons, where owners have reportedly expressed interest in partnering with government to transform the historic site into a visitor attraction showcasing the Virgin Islands’ heritage.
He also referenced unfinished plans to develop the East End/Long Look Heritage Site, which never materialised following a change in administration.
The criticism extends beyond cruise tourism. Penn argued that the Territory has seen few major developments in recent years, saying projects such as Oil Nut Bay and Scrub Island were advanced under the former National Democratic Party (NDP) administration.
He noted that the long-discussed Prospect Reef redevelopment remains unrealised.
“We continue to talk about major developments in tourism and the hotel space,” Penn said.
According to Penn, stronger investment in tourism infrastructure, attractions and overnight accommodations is critical to creating a more vibrant economy and expanding opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
“If you have a strong economy, an economy is vibrant, persons within the Territory would get the opportunities from that developed economy,” he added.
Earlier in the month, Minister for Communications and Works Kye Rymer disclosed that, confirmed bookings for 2026 indicate that the Virgin Islands will receive a record 52 cruise calls during the summer period. He said this will bring an estimated 165,700 passengers to the Territory’s shores.
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