Natasha Chalwell Appointed British Virgin Islands Deputy Director of Tourism

Natasha Chalwell Appointed Deputy Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) has announced the appointment of Mrs. Natasha J. Chalwell as the new Deputy Director of Tourism. This strategic appointment marks a significant step in the BVITBFC’s efforts to bolster its leadership team and navigate the dynamic global tourism landscape. Mrs. Chalwell brings over two decades of experience in the tourism sector, encompassing tourism development, international marketing, and public relations. Her intimate knowledge of the British Virgin Islands’ hospitality and marine industries, coupled with her extensive network of industry contacts, positions her as a key player in elevating the Territory’s tourism profile on the world stage.

Mrs. Chalwell’s career trajectory showcases a consistent commitment to the BVI’s tourism industry. Prior to her new role, she served as Director of Marketing at the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA), where she spearheaded a transformative rebranding initiative. This initiative significantly enhanced the Authority’s visibility and stakeholder engagement, contributing to the record-breaking recovery of the BVI’s cruise industry in the post-COVID era, with 2023 witnessing unprecedented cruise arrival numbers. Earlier in her career, Mrs. Chalwell held a pivotal role at the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, where she orchestrated numerous high-impact international marketing campaigns that solidified the BVI’s reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. Her success in forging strong strategic partnerships has been instrumental in driving tourism growth and establishing the BVI as a must-visit destination for global travelers.

As Deputy Director of Tourism, Mrs. Chalwell will work closely with the Director of Tourism, Clive McCoy, to develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive range of tourism marketing strategies. Her responsibilities will include managing the development of the Board’s annual Marketing Plan, nurturing partnerships within the regional and international tourism sectors, and supporting the Board’s overall operational objectives. Her expertise will be crucial in shaping the future direction of BVI tourism and ensuring its continued success in a competitive global market.

Mrs. Chalwell’s academic credentials further underscore her qualifications for this leadership role. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Tourism Management with a concentration in Marketing and Public Relations, as well as an Associate’s degree in Hotel & Resort Management. This academic foundation, combined with her extensive practical experience in the BVI’s hospitality and yachting sectors, provides her with the vision and leadership necessary to guide the Territory’s tourism strategy forward. Her deep understanding of the industry, coupled with her proven track record, promises to be a valuable asset to the BVITBFC.

The appointment of Mrs. Chalwell is part of a broader strategic initiative by the BVITBFC to strengthen its leadership team and adapt to the ever-evolving international tourism landscape. Two other key appointments accompany Mrs. Chalwell’s: Ms. Odelcer Hanley as General Manager for the United Kingdom, and Ms. Feliza Fenty as International Marketing Manager. These strategic hires reflect the BVITBFC’s commitment to strengthening its global presence and expanding its reach into key markets. The combined expertise of this new leadership team promises to further enhance the BVI’s position as a leading tourist destination.

Director of Tourism Clive McCoy expressed his enthusiasm for Mrs. Chalwell’s return to the Board, emphasizing the value of her experience and industry knowledge in shaping the future of BVI tourism. This sentiment reflects the broader optimism surrounding these strategic appointments and their potential to propel the BVI’s tourism industry to even greater heights. The BVITBFC is confident that this strengthened leadership team will effectively navigate the complexities of the international tourism market and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the BVI’s tourism sector. The focus will be on maintaining the BVI’s standing as a premier travel destination and adapting to the evolving needs and preferences of global travelers.