![tortola port map tortola port map](https://www.orangesmile.com/common/img_cities_original/tortola-island-3432-5.jpg)
“Around 65 retailers sell a range of one-of-a-kind treasures and souvenirs that have been made here on the island, as well as imports from European and American boutiques, arts and crafts, luxury jewellery, cigars, spirits and more,” says Dona Regis. A third outlet sells lamps, jewellery and other decorative items made from conch shells, which are still used to herald the arrival of fishing boats in the BVI. For example, one shop sells sculptures and jewellery made from ground coral, while another sells handcrafted pottery painted in the Caribbean colours. Many of these stores are operated by international firms and BVI ‘belongers’ and the 17 retail kiosks offer various products made on the island. Construction initially started in June 2014 and now Tortola Pier Park comprises green spaces, 11 buildings with office space and conference facilities, as well as indoor and outdoor event areas and 20 kiosks housing a post office, a medical services facility, retail stores and food and beverage outlets. Partially open since summer 2015, Tortola Pier Park has been designed as a state-of-the-art marketplace that fuses the essence of BVI’s bygone era with the island’s contemporary culture. Festivities continued this February when it officially inaugurated its first-ever commercial, entertainment and cultural centre, Tortola Pier Park. Last year, the BVI Ports Authority commemorated the port’s 25th anniversary and on 29 April 2015, it marked the official opening of its newly extended US$35 million cruise pier. Situated in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is no stranger to celebrations. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review.