Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has called on Caribbean nations to invest more in their people, describing human capital as the true engine of the region’s tourism industry.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s 11th Human Resources Conference in Tortola, Dr Wheatley said the event’s theme, *“The Human Touchpoint: Redefining HR Excellence in Caribbean Tourism,”* was fitting for a sector built on personal connection and care.

“Planes, hotels, or technology don’t power our industry; people power it,” he stated, adding that every individual — from the front desk agent to the tour guide — plays a vital role in shaping the Caribbean experience.

Dr Wheatley described the conference as a platform to celebrate and prepare Caribbean workers for a future in which human excellence remains central to tourism. “It’s about putting our people, our most valuable resource, front and centre. It’s about celebrating them, training them, and preparing them for a future where human excellence remains the soul of Caribbean tourism,” he explained.

The Premier encouraged delegates to embrace the Virgin Islands’ culture and community during their visit, noting that the territory’s hospitality reflects the heart of its people. “Hospitality isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. It’s in the way we greet you with a smile that says, ‘You’re home’,” he said.

He urged attendees to experience the islands beyond the conference venue, highlighting that the Virgin Islands offers not just a destination but “a sense of connection, community, and belonging”.

The Premier also stressed that investing in people was essential to keeping the Caribbean competitive on the global stage. “We are a region of brilliance, of creativity, and of heart. And when we invest in our people, nurturing their growth, inspiring their confidence, and equipping them with the tools to lead, we are investing in the future of Caribbean tourism,” he stated.

Dr Wheatley described the gathering as more than a conference — “a movement to elevate how we see human resources, not as a department, but as the heartbeat of our tourism industry”.

The four-day event, hosted by the BVI Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, brings together tourism and human resource professionals from across the Caribbean to discuss leadership, wellness, diversity, and empowerment within the sector.