FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tortola Pier Park Celebrates BVIPA’s Regional Cruise Port of the Year Recognition Road Town, British Virgin Islands | 30 October 2026 - Tortola Pier Park Limited (TPPL), which manages Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, has welcomed the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority’s (BVIPA) receipt of the Nathan Dundas Cruise Port of the Year Award from the Caribbean Shipping Association. The regional honour comes as Pier Park marks its tenth anniversary and celebrates a decade of supporting the Territory’s cruise tourism industry.
The award was accepted by BVIPA senior leaders at the Association’s 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition in Georgetown, Guyana. It recognises excellence in cruise port operations, including infrastructure, operational efficiency, passenger experience, safety, security and environmental sustainability.
Opened in February 2016, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park combines the Territory’s principal cruise gateway with shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences. The facility welcomed more than 875,000 cruise passengers in 2025.
TPPL’s management efforts have focused on enhancing the experience beyond the berth and creating opportunities for the businesses operating within the Park. Initiatives include Pier Park Guides, the Welcome Bag Programme, customer service and sales training for tenants, visitor information and coordinated shopping promotions.
Cultural performances, signature events, family activities and partnerships with community organisations have also strengthened the Park’s role as a destination for residents and visitors throughout the year. Sustainability efforts include Green Globe membership and collaboration on the solar photovoltaic project at the facility.
Chief Executive Officer Vance M. Lewis described the award as recognition of the collaboration underpinning the Territory’s cruise tourism sector.
“We congratulate BVIPA on this regional recognition and are proud of TPPL’s contribution to the cruise experience,” Mr. Lewis said. “Delivering a successful destination requires close coordination between the Authority, our team, tenants and tourism partners. As Pier Park marks ten years, our focus remains on improving the visitor experience and strengthening opportunities for local enterprise.”
Deputy Chief Executive Officer Zoe Walcott-Maduro highlighted the importance of connecting passenger arrivals with meaningful experiences and business activity.
“Our focus is on what happens after passengers step ashore, how they are welcomed, how easily they find their way and how their visit connects with our businesses and culture,” Mrs. Walcott-Maduro said. “Through the Pier Park Guides, Welcome Bag Programme, tenant training and events, we are working to turn arrivals into meaningful experiences and business opportunities. This recognition encourages us to keep raising the standard.”
As Pier Park enters its second decade, TPPL will continue working with BVIPA, tenants and tourism partners to strengthen visitor experiences, commercial opportunities and sustainable operations, while expanding the benefits of cruise tourism for the British Virgin Islands. About Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park Opened in February 2016, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park is a cruise and lifestyle destination in Road Town, Tortola, combining cruise berthing with shopping, dining, entertainment and public spaces. Owned by the BVI Ports Authority and managed by Tortola Pier Park Limited, the facility was renamed in 2019 in honour of the late Honourable Cyril B. Romney, former Chief Minister of the Virgin Islands and a pioneer in the development of the Territory’s cruise tourism industry.
Media Contact: Zoe Walcott-Maduro | Deputy Chief Executive Officer | Tortola Pier Park Limited | zwalcott@tortolapier.com