Hurricane Irma swept itself onto the records as the most powerful hurricane on the Atlantic ever to hit land. The damage caused by the storm will take more than simple, physical efforts to rebuild. With 85% of the buildings severely damaged or destroyed and a total infrastructure collapse, it takes a positive attitude and a lot of love for your land to start to rebuild. The incredible spirit of the locals is driving the rebuilding efforts, yielding great repairs faster than we could have imagined.

Where does the tourist industry stand after Hurricane Irma?

Either directly or indirectly, almost everyone on the island earns their income as a result of tourists visiting the islands. Rather than shrugging at the vicious cycle of needing tourism to return in order to generate an income for repairs, and needing their infrastructure repaired in order to rebuild their tourist facilities, the locals have jumped into action, fixing the most crucial elements needed to house tourists and working alongside relief-workers who have come to the island to assist. One thing is certain, the morale is positive and productive.

This is fantastic news for those of us wanting to visit because these locals have managed to rebuild sufficiently to welcome visitors back to the beautiful islands. Only 60% of the electricity has been restored but most facilities offer generators, making guests’ stay just as comfortable. The natural beauty of the turquoise-blue ocean remains unchanged and spectacular, vacationers are able to relax and enjoy themselves.

The rebuild after Hurricane Irma

Nature is fantastic in that regard, it can wreak havoc in the man-made areas but natural tourist attractions remain remarkable and awe-inspiring. Some of the cool hang-outs have used the opportunity to rebuild themselves to be better than before, seeing the catastrophe to be an opportunity to renovate. Enjoy the “modern beach lounge experience” at Pirates Bight on Norman Island, a newly renovated chill-zone at an old familiar hang-out, which is open for business.

At Tortola, most of the hang-outs are open for business. Restaurants with free WiFi are serving the delicious island food you’d expect. Many renovations have been made, and water, surf and swim gear can be hired as usual.

At Salt Island, RMS Rhone was thankfully left undamaged, meaning wreck explorers are welcome to enjoy this dive. Other great dives can be had at Peter’s Bay with Deadman’s Bay, Whelk Bay, White Bay and Great Harbor’s moorings all being available. To mention only a few, there are a great many places open for business and ready to charm the tourists, meaning now is the perfect time to visit the British Virgin Islands.

Remember, you’re visiting a ‘rebuild-in-progress’

You will see that many areas are still in the process of rebuilding, but from a charter perspective, you will experience the same luxury you otherwise would have and your points of interest remain unchanged. This is naturally one of the most splendid locations on the globe and requires very little input from humans to make it enjoyable.

What speaks most about the BVI community and its ethic is the happy, positive attitude the locals have after Hurricane Irma. They are grateful to still have life and are hard at work repairing and rebuilding their home, which they proudly claim is the most beautiful in the world. Support their efforts by booking your charter to the British Virgin Islands and enjoy a much deserved vacation. For a tailored-vacation built around your personal interests, contact us, we’ll arrange everything from A-Z.