BVI GIVES EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE AT 2004 INTERBOOT BOAT SHOW IN GERMANY 

The cultural performers who represented the British Virgin Islands at the 2004 INTERBOOT Boat Show in Germany were excellent ambassadors for the territory, according to Ms. Lynette Harrigan, BVI Tourist Board Marketing Manager for the Caribbean and Latin America.

The British Virgin Islands was the featured destination for this year’s event, which was held in the city of Friedrichshafen from September 18^th-26^th.

INTERBOOT is one of the three largest boat exhibitions in Germany and is regarded as one of the leading boat exhibitions in the world. During the nine days of the exhibition, more than 100,000 visitors discovered the latest news about the world of water sports. More than 500 exhibitors and another 160 represented brands from 25 countries were in attendance.

This exhibition offers sailing and motor yachts, motor boats, catamarans, rubber dinghies, equipment and accessories, motors, electronics, navigation/communication, trailers, surfing and diving equipment, canoes, kayaks, water skis and accessories, literature and water sports schools.

The BVI was featured on stage three times daily, with entertainment from the Fab 5 Steel Band, the Heritage Dancers, the BVI Elite Sky Dancers (mocko jumbies) and Miss British Virgin Islands 2004, Sharlita Millington. In addition, the BVI mounted promotional efforts throughout the city with many stores featuring BVI posters and brochures, as well as Caribbean food and drinks.

“By bringing these three groups together, we showcased the BVI well for 10 days straight as the top sailing destination in the world,” Ms. Harrigan stated. “The crowd was completely mesmerized and on most days, they kept asking for more, they didn’t want to leave.”

Founder of the Heritage Dancers, Honourable Eileene L. Parsons, expressed sincere appreciation to the government, through the BVI Tourist Board, for using the Heritage Dancers to assist in its promotional efforts over the years.

“It is amazing to see the response from the audience abroad,” Hon. Parsons reported. “There were 22 performers and we were able to portray our culture and I am extremely pleased, not only with the performances, but with the decorum of the young people. The group conducted themselves superbly.”

For Terrence Marcelle of the Fab 5 Steel Band, it was his third time representing the BVI in this capacity, He also thanked the BVI government for the opportunity and said: “This was one of the best experiences I have had and I will do it again. With this performance, a lot of people will be coming to the British Virgin Islands.”

According to Andrew “Charlie” Turnbull of the Elite Sky Dancers, this was an outstanding trip. “We learnt to put aside our differences, we learnt that punctuality is a must and we learnt to reflect the beautiful character of the BVI in ourselves.”

Speaking in the Legislative Council on Thursday, Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith said he was proud of the high caliber of performances our cultural ambassadors thrilled the audiences with as they showcased the diversity of the British Virgin Islands.

“Madam Speaker, this strategic move represents the broadening of the tourism experience I often speak about. Yes, we have sea and sand like most other destinations, but we also have a culture that speaks volumes to the diversity the BVI offers,” he noted. “While some people are quick to conclude that overseas travel is a vacation and filled with sightseeing trips, nothing can be further from the truth. The BVI group got little sleep as they endured a hectic schedule to accomplish their mission, which was to promote and showcase the BVI.”

The performances in Germany are already yielding great benefits from the territory. Organizers of the annual KARIBIK Trophy, which is usually held in the BVI every November, upon seeing the BVI group, immediately booked the three groups at local venues during this year’s event. One company selling packages to the BVI at the boat show reported it was already sold out for Christmas, attributing this to the groups’ performances and the BVI’s strong presence at the show.

Representatives of the local hospitality industry, Sebastian’s on the Beach, Bitter End Yacht Club, The Moorings, Villa Katitchie Point and Sunsail, collaborated with the BVI Tourist Board at the boat show.

“Germans are well traveled and the BVI receives about 6,000 overnight visitors from this market per year,” stated Director of the BVI Tourist Board Mr. Kedrick Malone. “The opportunity to partner with the show organizers was a good investment for this upcoming year as the German travel market continues to regain its vigorous travel to the Caribbean.”