BVI VIP card

This should be interesting: http://www.bvinews.com/index.php/tourism/3071.html


(Wonder if it is good for a free Red Stripe at CRC)

Just one more trip for me for the basic, some of you should qualify for the Gold right away!

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.

Just looked at Passport....8 trips down in the last 2 years. And I first set foot there in '79

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="" />

khodge@bvitourism.com

E-Mail address

I sent an E-Mail and got a response within one hour that they would send me the form. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

German web site

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.

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="" />

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.

This has been in effect in the German Speaking Markets for years. They also do have a newsletter for their VIP-Members. I am looking forward to finally also have US-VIP-Cardholders stay with us <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

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.

Send an email but never heard back...

...sounds about right..

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...

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="" />

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

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?

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

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="" />

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.

Hi Dawn; The German-speaking repeat-customers (Austria, Germany, Switzerland - and I don't know who else) had to apply for the card and as far as I am aware also had to provide copies of their passports as prove that they had been visiting the BVI I think at least 3 times before they were applying for the card. I do assume that the same process will have to be followed for the new cards. If you did not have a passport before 2008 - I would recommend that you look to find another way of proving your previous visits <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="" />

WOW this thread caused me to count 81 trips of more than 2 weeks each since 1990. how it counts for something huh.

You sure bet - WE LOVE YOU - even if you are anonymous <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />. I think another reason for it to take a while now for the applications to come is that Kimberly is getting together all the discount-offers and I am pretty sure replies from the individual properties are coming in slowly <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> - It is the Islands after all - And she needs to give every property the opportunity to participate, to not receive complaints later.

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, 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.

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.

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="" />

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!

It's not unusual for any business to test market a product or promotion in a smaller market before the wider public. Big deal. We'll get our shot in due time.

I'm hoping it will be in place before my next trip this December!!! Bummed that I noticed that Cooper Island Beach Club participates.....we stayed there for a week this past November.....wonder if it would have saved me some $$$???

I get my passport stamp in a couple weeks so as soon as USA tourists can apply, I'm in.

DQ

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="" />

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.

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.

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="" />

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".

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.

Great news Bill!
My passport is FULL of BVI entry stamps! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />

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="" />

Wow, Got a personal email response from Kimberly Hodge within an hour of sending my message!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

..just sent an e-mail..back to Leverick Bay and Dive BVI in Feb...we'll see.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Kimberly is fantastic - I got a response in 1/2 hour. That bodes well for the program. It really is a nice idea - everyone can benefit.

..12 minutes and I have a reply...we'll see..

Got mine super fast too, and was sent at 5:01 pm. Can you imagine a gov't employee in the office AFTER HOURS? This bodes well for the program.

It would also be nice if Bobbys gave the Gold Card members the 10% discount they give locals...hint hint.

Just wondering, does anyone know, is there a cost to the BVI businesses to sign up for this program???

I received my email too....48 minutes after sending it. It arrived at 4:55pm (central)...that means Kimberly Hodge was working way late.
great
Anne

Kimberly is a hard worker and in her office working on this way late this evening. She's determined to get apps out by the weekend. I'm proud of her and looking forward to meeting this nice lady next spring.

Got mine at 5:00PM - 8 minutes after I sent my e-mail. I'm impressed - and appreciative.

I am elated that you are excited about the program. I am posting this message to reassure you that your concerns are being heard.

This program was in fact an initiative from our German Office and because of its success; we have decided to extend an invitation to all of our loyal visitors.

All material/collateral for this program is in "German" so after translating it’s a matter of reformatting to accommodate our global visitors, that's what taking so long with the application, amongst getting everything else ready.

We are still working out the logistics of how the applications will be received, so please bear with us.

We are in hopes that the program will begin November 1st 2009.

So please, I encourage your emails to receive applications, and I am trying my best to respond to everyone as they come in. Also, I've already stated a data base with those persons that have contact me so you will be the first to receive applications.

I am a real person at the receiving end of your email, so if you have any questions, comments, or recommendations please do not hesitate to let me know.

~Kimberly~
BVI Tourist Board & BVI VIP Club

Kimberly,
Thank you for accepting my invitation to come and post on this forum. I know hearing from you directly is appreciated by everyone and there are already glowing reports of your swift replies to their email inquiries.
Thanks and please stay in touch with us here with program progress and when we can expect applications.

Before the thread closes, let me add my kudos to Kimberly for her fast and sincere response to my request for an application. It was far more than a cursory reply and indicated that this ambitious program is in good hands. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Nice post and looks like a winner...We have a limit and we are at it.