This is looking like the definition of a Perfect Storm
US tourists - still hurting - people don't all have great paying jobs these days - so fewer coming
Europe & Canadian tourists - has anyone checked the US-exchange rate lately ?
Just exchange rates ALONE - has caused the cost of travel to the BVI to go up by over 18% from last year
Nobody sees that... but it is the most painful for an entire sector of tourism
Trust companies have been shifting staff off-island for 8 yrs now - so, fewer admin staff needed... (and) fewer jobs for islanders -
fewer apartments rented...and, all in all, resulting in less imported dollars circulating here
Reduced number of incorporations... so, less annual fees
Fewer cruise ships... so, lower gov't revenue from per tourist landing fees
Now... in an attempt to keep their incomes - restaurants are bumping up their prices - and government is bumping fees
I can understand their thinking
But, I can also understand how flawed that thinking is
...but, when all you can see floating is a straw.....
FWIW