Forums39
Topics38,651
Posts312,396
Members26,568
|
Most Online2,218 Jan 21st, 2020
|
|
10 registered members (Rumlover, MikeBiondo, DanS, MrEZgoin, steve74, SXMScubaman, 4 invisible),
759
guests, and 82
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: HillsideView]
#8797
07/07/2009 08:01 PM
07/07/2009 08:01 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999 Macon, Georgia
GlennA
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,999
Macon, Georgia
|
Well, most of us here should qualify for Platinum Admiral level. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> If they really want it to mean something they should include a separate line for VIP Gold level and above going through C&I and guaranteed ferry schedules.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. - Mark Twain
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: GlennA]
#8798
07/07/2009 08:06 PM
07/07/2009 08:06 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
|
Just looked at Passport....8 trips down in the last 2 years. And I first set foot there in '79
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: HillsideView]
#8799
07/08/2009 08:22 AM
07/08/2009 08:22 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
After the military in Europe, I didn't have a passport until '84 but there sure are a lot of BVI stamps in the three I've had since then. Where's the BVI VIP web site?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: HillsideView]
#8801
07/08/2009 10:24 AM
07/08/2009 10:24 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,645 Cleveland, OH, USA
ds4881
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,645
Cleveland, OH, USA
|
Now let me get this straight.
The BVI Govt is formally recognizing that there is value in visitors that DON'T arrive via cruise ship?!?!?
I find it very refreshing that there is actually an acknowledgement of the repeat visitor. Over the last few years it seemed as if we had been forsaken.
Dave
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: GlennA]
#8802
07/08/2009 11:37 AM
07/08/2009 11:37 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,942 In Cahoots..;-0
saildoggie
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,942
In Cahoots..;-0
|
GlennA said: Well, most of us here should qualify for Platinum Admiral level. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> If they really want it to mean something they should include a separate line for VIP Gold level and above going through C&I and guaranteed ferry schedules. Good question Glemm, I guess with our 15 trips, many longer than 2 weeks duration could get anything worthwhile!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: saildoggie]
#8803
07/08/2009 02:37 PM
07/08/2009 02:37 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
I've already gotten an email reply from Kimberly Hodge. They are preparing to accept applications from the U.S. and will take your name and email address now so they can send you the application when they are ready.
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: bsafrit]
#8808
07/24/2009 09:25 AM
07/24/2009 09:25 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,654 Kitchener, Ontario Canada
DawnB
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,654
Kitchener, Ontario Canada
|
bsafrit said: Has anyone received any further info on this? I did email khodge at the BVI tourism board and got a reply that things are in the works and an application is coming. Just curious. I received the same email. She said she would let me know when I could apply. Will be too late for this trip, unfortunately. My question is, why was it only available in the past to certain tourists, and not ALL of us? Grrr...I don't like specialized deals for certain classes, countries, etc...
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: DawnB]
#8809
07/24/2009 11:34 AM
07/24/2009 11:34 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
DawnB said:
Grrr...I don't like specialized deals for certain classes, countries, etc... You feel the same way about special deals or discounts for TTOL members? Not me ! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: DawnB]
#8810
07/24/2009 11:48 AM
07/24/2009 11:48 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,736 El Lago, TX
MikeClearlake
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,736
El Lago, TX
|
Grrr...I don't like specialized deals for certain classes, countries, etc... [/quote]
Dawn,
I’m a Delta Million Miler and soon to be a Continental Million Miler.
Don’t hate us; the upgrades and FF Miles are the only things that keep us Road Warriors sane.
Imagine weather/mechanical delays, airport security, bad food, and more often than not seats that are way too small for this big guy; now, do it 2-4 times a week times 40 weeks each year!
Uggg…now I’m bummed myself out; I need to be on the beach with a cold one.
MM
]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: DawnB]
#8811
07/24/2009 11:50 AM
07/24/2009 11:50 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
I don't think it was as much a specialized deal for certain people as it was an experiment done by the board of tourism office in Germany to see if there was any interest. I'm unsure who is participating but I've never seen a single sign or indication that "VIP" cards are welcome or accepted by any businesses or that there are any benefits offered to card holders. Let's ask some of the businesses who come on TTOL if they offer anything to cardholders; Nick @ Leverick? Paulfox @ Foxy's? Louis @ JR? How 'bout Elm, Myett's or Quito's?
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: BillH]
#8812
07/24/2009 12:01 PM
07/24/2009 12:01 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220 self-quarantine
Rasputin
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,220
self-quarantine
|
Partner des BVI VIP Clubs sind: Partner of the BVI VIP club are: A Dream Come True Villa | A Dream Come True Villa Rentals | Amberjack House | Anegada Reef Hotel | Baraka Point | Belmont House | Biras Creek Restaurant | Boardsailing BVI | Hotel Castle Maria | Coconut Point Vacation Apartments | Colombian Emeralds Int'l | Cooper Island Beach Club | Cuan Law Trimarine Boat Co. | D & D Car Rentals | Dive BVI | Dog & Dolphin Bar & Grill | Dolphin Discovery | Endless Summer II | Fischer's Cove Beach Hotel and Restaurant | Fly BVI | Frenchman's Cay Resort Hotel | Fort Recovery Estates Villas | Full Sail Sailing School | Gestalt | Good Life Villa | Guavaberry Spring Bay Vacation Homes | The Jolly Roger Inn | Katitche Point Greathouse | Lambert Beach Resort | Leverick Bay Hotel & Restaurant | Lighthouse Villas | Mango Bay Resort | Mongoose Apartments | Myett's Garden and Grill | Nail Bay Resort | Nanny Cay Hotel & Marina | Peter Island Resort | Pusser's Outposts & Stores | The Rock Café | Sail Caribbean Divers | Sandcastle | Sebastian's on the Beach Hotel and Seaside Villas | Serendipity House | Shadow's Stable | Steele Point | The Sugar Mill Hotel and Restaurant | Summer Heights | Sunny Caribbee Spice Co. Ltd | Tola Rentals | UBS Dive Center | Virgin Queen Restaurant & Pub | White Bay Villas and Seaside Cottages A Dream Come True Villa | http://translate.google.com/translate?hl...cial%26hs%3DDSr
Rah Rah Rasputin They put some poison into his wine He drank it all and said "I feel fine"
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: Schwendy]
#8814
07/24/2009 03:20 PM
07/24/2009 03:20 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 781 British Virgin Islands
Uschi
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 781
British Virgin Islands
|
Schwendy said: I got the email response too that I would be notified when applications are ready. I leave for Anegada on Tue. July 28 so I'm out of luck again. I just want to know why it takes so long to put together the application when one already exists for "other" countries. Don't most tourists come from USA? Can't they just cut n paste the application, delete Germany and type USA? WTF? I think that the offices of the Touristboard in Europe are PR-Companies, who come up with their own promotions. They do contact us directly for promotional rates and news for their news-letter. I think the offices in the US are staffed by Employees of the BVI-Touristboard. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> And the application will be in German <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by Uschi; 07/24/2009 03:21 PM.
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: MikeClearlake]
#8815
07/24/2009 04:40 PM
07/24/2009 04:40 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,654 Kitchener, Ontario Canada
DawnB
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,654
Kitchener, Ontario Canada
|
Rasputin said: You feel the same way about special deals or discounts for TTOL members? Not me ! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> MikeClearlake said: Dawn,
I’m a Delta Million Miler and soon to be a Continental Million Miler.
Don’t hate us; the upgrades and FF Miles are the only things that keep us Road Warriors sane.
MM My point exactly. ANYONE can join Delta Skymiles and ANYONE can join Traveltalkonline - and as such, can take advantage of deals offered by both. Why offer this card ONLY to German tourists, and if it is as Uschi said, a pilot project, what is taking so long to just open it up to everyone? I spend hard earned money coming here. Knowing that someone else gets a deal JUST BECAUSE they are German, and they didn't have to Join anything, just doesn't seem right to me. Just my $.02, that's all.
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: Uschi]
#8817
07/25/2009 05:59 PM
07/25/2009 05:59 PM
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
WOW this thread caused me to count 81 trips of more than 2 weeks each since 1990. how it counts for something huh.
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: DawnB]
#8819
07/26/2009 09:42 AM
07/26/2009 09:42 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
I spend hard earned money coming here. Knowing that someone else gets a deal JUST BECAUSE they are German, and they didn't have to Join anything, just doesn't seem right to me. Dawn, From all acounts, they do have to join something. They must apply for the card and then document their trips with passport stamps and/or BVI receipts. We also understand that this was an undertaking of a German based public relations firm that is contracted by the BVI to promote the islands in that country. Much like the Drinking Man's Guide, it does require some level of participation and is available only to those who have the card.. or the DMG. Once they finish the solicitation of participating businesses and give them time to develop their offers, they'll be taking applications for a new VIP card available in the US and other countries and, as Uschi pointed out, that might take a bit of time. Who wants a card without a full list of participating businesses. Kelly has advised me that once they have this set up they'll put up a seb site that will reflect updated lists of participants, offers and changes. There may also be an online application. Contacting everyone in the BVI who might want to be included is a huge undertaking and it's going to take some time.
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: BillH]
#8820
07/26/2009 09:55 AM
07/26/2009 09:55 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,654 Kitchener, Ontario Canada
DawnB
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,654
Kitchener, Ontario Canada
|
Bill, I appreciate that it takes time. But it seems to me that a card is already in place, with vendors already in place, and discounts already being given. How hard is it to offer that same card to everyone NOW and update it as they go, which they seem to be saying they will do anyway?
My point still is, why only offer it to one nationality? It should have been offered to anyone who wanted to join when they started it years ago.
If it was the Germans taking the initiative, that's great. Lots of travel agents in Canada go out of their way to offer special deals so you'll deal with them, and I understand that. If it was the BVI Tourist board that allowed this card to ONLY be available to Germans, than I have an issue with that.
The fact that they are doing so now is great. And yes, I will take advantage of it once they get it going.
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: DawnB]
#8821
07/26/2009 10:11 AM
07/26/2009 10:11 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
I believe the misunderstanding here lies in the relationship of the BVI Board of Tourism, an agency of the BVI Government, and a PR or ad agency in Germany hired to promote a product. It is unlikely that anyone in the BVI would have the knowledge or background to effectively market to Germans so they hire an agency. This is not unlike Coke hiring a German ad agency to make and place commercials there. The German firm developed marketing tools and concepts to increase tourism from that country and one of those ideas was a VIP card. It does not involve the government and is a privately developed program so there is no necessary entitlement that it be offered elsewhere. If the same company aired commercials for 20% off 12-paks of Coke in Heidelberg, it doesn't entitle someone in Chicago to the same offer.
To their credit, the BVI Tourism Board picked up on the idea and is developing it as an official government sanctioned program.
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: BillH]
#8822
07/26/2009 10:31 AM
07/26/2009 10:31 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
|
One place that really doesn't need to offer any discount is Rhymer's. The menus still list on the front cover the "gas station" as one of the amenities/services they offer. That has been gone for what, 20 years now?? $4.50 for a BLT, can't beat it!! Several places that I frequent still only charge me rates from way back....don't have to ask! That's good business! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: Schwendy]
#8827
07/27/2009 12:13 PM
07/27/2009 12:13 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 781 British Virgin Islands
Uschi
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 781
British Virgin Islands
|
Schwendy said: Bill, thanks for that explanation. I too was irritated that US citizens seemed to be excluded. It does seem a little ridiculous like Dawn said that everything is already in place so it shouldn't involve much effort to put the program in place for the rest of us. One government employee should be able to do this before lunch! It's hard to understand coming from the US which has the most over worked, most productive and unfortunately most impatient workers in the world. I just hope the BVI government doesn't handle this like they handle the fishing license procedures! LOL - now you all might understand our feelings down here - every promotion on merchandise where you can win prizes - we are excluded because we are not Residents of the US or Canada - even we buy the product too <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: seminoledq]
#8828
07/27/2009 01:09 PM
07/27/2009 01:09 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
But it looks like it requires evidence of three prior visits to qualify for a basic membership card. This is going to be tough for folks who came through with birth certs & a pic ID for several years.
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: BillH]
#8829
07/27/2009 01:20 PM
07/27/2009 01:20 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
|
On the "higher" level card, the 10+ visits, I'd like to see the gov't step up and waive the 7% hotel tax, or airport departure tax, something coming from "their" pocket, rather than the hotels/restaurants/vendors footing the discount idea.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: HillsideView]
#8830
07/27/2009 01:42 PM
07/27/2009 01:42 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
Dream on, Bruce, if you think they'll give up a tax. I'd be happy to see a Gold Card Express Line at C&I. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: BillH]
#8831
07/27/2009 02:03 PM
07/27/2009 02:03 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
|
Yeah Bill, I know, but I'd like to see the gov't "underwrite" a bit of the giveaway too. An express line would be a good idea, or maybe just letting you use the "Resdients" line, which,of course, could be a real problem on "shopping day".
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: HillsideView]
#8832
07/27/2009 03:45 PM
07/27/2009 03:45 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
I've just talked with Kim Hodge at the BVI Tourism Office and she informs that the US and Canadian BVI VIP Card applications could be going out as early as this coming weekend. I'm going to post her email address on BVI People Talk and make it sticky along with the BVI News article explaining the terms.
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
Re: BVI VIP card
[Re: saildoggie]
#8834
07/27/2009 04:08 PM
07/27/2009 04:08 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026 Augusta, Georgia
BillH
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,026
Augusta, Georgia
|
Yep.. I just went through and scanned three expired passports and the current one and came up with 28 stamps. I never bothered taking a passport until 1988. No one wanted to see it. They wanted your driver's license. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Bill Hartzman 706-495-1435 Email]billhartzman@gmail.com[/Email]
|
|
|
|