Page "British Virgin Islands" Paragraph 27

Tourism accounts for 45 % of national income.

The islands are a popular destination for U. S. citizens.

In 2006 a total of 825, 603 people visited the islands ( of whom 443, 987 were cruise ship passengers ).

Tourists frequent the numerous white sand beaches, visit The Baths on Virgin Gorda, snorkel the coral reefs near Anegada, or experience the well-known bars of Jost Van Dyke.

The BVI are known as one of the world's greatest sailing destinations, and charter sailboats are a very popular way to visit less accessible islands.

Every year since 1972 the BVI has hosted the Spring Regatta, which is a seven-day collection of sailing races throughout the islands.

A substantial number of the tourists who visit the BVI are cruise ship passengers, although they produce far lower revenue per head than charter boat tourists and hotel based tourists.

They are nonetheless important to the substantial ( and politically important ) taxi driving community.