The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) government wants more megayachts, and of course more megayacht guests, to visit. Therefore, the BVIs is now offering duty-free fuel if you cruise among its islands.
According to a report by BVInews.com, the government decided to amend its customs regulations with immediate effect in early December. It did so as part of the 2020 fiscal year budget. As long as your yacht remains in the territory for a minimum of three days, you can take advantage of the cost savings. “This will be a step in the right direction towards encouraging megayachts to make the BVI their home port,” says Andrew Fahie, the premier of the BVIs.
Although other areas of the Caribbean attract more megayachts, the BVIs are attractive, for several reasons. First, they provide easy access for even deep-draft sailing superyachts. This is because the islands border the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean to the south. Year-round warm temperatures and sunshine, of course, attract cruisers, too. For owners and guests who want to arrive via plane, the island of Tortola has an international airport. Regular ferries additionally service Tortola, from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For suggestions on what to do if you have never visited the BVIs, read our Destination Guide: British Virgin Islands Diving and Snorkeling article.
While the BVIs is now offering duty-free fuel to private and charter yachts, the government actually wants to attract a variety of other vessels as well. This includes cruise ships. In fact, officials say that cruise-line operators already wanted to add more stops in the islands. In addition, Fahie, who is further the country’s minister of finance, says that these same operators wish to remain at the dock longer. “Additional ships with extended time in port can boost annual cruise arrivals to beyond one million passengers,” Fahie explains.
British Virgin Islands Port Authority bviports.org
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