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Anonym |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
When Tortola Pier Park opened early last year, it promised to be the envy of cruise ports throughout the region. Fast forward to today, and it has delivered on that promise and more. “We opened with 23 retail outlets, but today we have over 60,” explains Regis. “We’ve had such amazing feedback over the past 12 months from cruise lines and passengers alike – we regularly get told that we’re the most beautiful port on the itinerary and that feels amazing because it means we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
What’s clear is that customers are truly put at the heart of this facility. “It’s not just about buying and selling,” Regis says. “We want visitors to have an experience and we want them to feel welcomed.”
Regis is personally making sure that all staff at Tortola Pier Park are able to deliver good customer service. “It’s a real passion of mine,” she says. “From the security guard, right through to the accountants, I want everyone who works at the park to recognise the difference that going the extra mile for our customers can make.”
Providing a great experience, Regis believes, is also about authenticity. “While visitors can buy a Reymond Weil or Cartier watch at our park, they can also buy locally made gifts and souvenirs – and this is what really makes us unique. We’ve gone to great lengths to get the whole British Virgin Islands community involved and we have a large number of local producers selling everything from jewellery and lamps through to bath salts, liqueurs and handcrafted locally inspired glass pieces.
The park also has 11 food and beverage outlets which are proving to be extremely popular. “There’s something for everyone,” Regis says. “There’s a beach bar, a cigar bar, kiosks selling rotis and bagels and the ever-busy ‘Camden Market’ which sells pies, soups and salads. We’re also planning to open a flagship restaurant in the not too distant future.”
And this is just the start of what is to come in the months ahead. “Our target is to reach 100% occupancy,” Regis explains. “We’re truly excited about the potential for the future, and we’re working hard to be a true inspiration to other attractions on the island.”