BVI Government Information Service
Media Release
ROAD TOWN, Tortola (GIS) — In its efforts to better cater to the needs of the Territory’s growing international business clientele and visitors, the Government of the Virgin Islands, through the BVI Tourist Board, is pleased to announce the launch of its new concierge air service from Antigua.
The new flights launch between Antigua and Beef Island on October 31, and connect with the arrival and departure of scheduled British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights between London Gatwick and Antigua. The connecting flights are scheduled to run twice a week, on Fridays and Saturdays and will be operated by locally owned, VI Airlink. The package will include a personalised meet and greet concierge service. This will ensure that guests are met after clearing immigration and will be escorted through the baggage hall, customs and security, thus providing a stress- free connection.
Premier and Minister of Tourism, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith OBE, stated, “Our tourism market has grown significantly over the years and it is important that our visitors are connected easily and quickly to the Territory.” “I am pleased that we have listened to our industry partners and added the extra airlift needed to facilitate the connection. I am also delighted that the Government of the Virgin Islands has been able to partner with a world-class BVI airline such as VI Airlink to offer our visitors efficient service and a friendly BVI transition from Antigua,” Premier Smith noted. Manager UK, BVI Tourist Board Ginny Hawksley stated, “The launch of these new flights enables travelers from the UK to enjoy more time in the British Virgin Islands, thanks to a quicker transfer time in Antigua.
The personalised meet and greet concierge service also takes the stress out of connecting flights and ensures guests arrive in style and depart feeling truly relaxed.” The timing of the new flights will allow visitors departing from the British Virgin Islands to enjoy more time in their destination on the day of departure, while incoming guests will arrive in time for dinner. Neville Brathwaite Junior, a spokesman for VI Airlink, stated, “V I Airlink is proud to partner with the BVI Tourist Board, to be the first and only BVI registered Airline to connect the BVI to Antigua in over ten years.”
The new concierge air service is subsidised by the Government of the Virgin Islands, and can be booked worldwide on the web as it is available via Global Distribution System (GDS). The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the BVI Tourist Board, remains committed to marketing and promoting the Virgin Islands as an ideal tourism destination, whether for business or leisure.