The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission is proud to announce that the British Virgin Islands Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience has been honoured with a 2026 International Telly Award, recognizing excellence in immersive and mixed-reality storytelling.
The award was presented in the Craft – Use of 360 Video category, which celebrates innovative approaches to digital storytelling and audience engagement through immersive technology.
This international recognition underscores the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to embracing cutting-edge digital technologies to showcase the Territory’s unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class tourism offerings to global audiences.
The award comes on the heels of the recent opening of the Virtual Reality Interactive Guest Experience Museum at Crafts Alive Village in Road Town, Tortola, further highlighting the Territory’s growing investment in immersive tourism experiences. Together, these initiatives strengthen the British Virgin Islands’ reputation as a forward-thinking destination and a leader in innovative tourism marketing.
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy commented:
“The use of 360-degree immersive and mixed-reality video has created a truly remarkable and interactive guest experience. This recognition reflects the creativity, innovation, and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this project to life. This award serves as a strong validation of our investment in innovative technologies and immersive storytelling experiences. We are proud to continue exploring new ways to connect with travelers and showcase the beauty, culture, and uniqueness of the British Virgin Islands. The award-winning Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience offers audiences an engaging and immersive journey through the Territory’s stunning marine environment, providing a unique opportunity to experience the British Virgin Islands in a way that transcends traditional tourism marketing.”
McCoy also extended special appreciation to Ms. Vionie Pickering, Product Director, for her vision and leadership in championing the Virtual Reality Museum project. He further acknowledged Mr. Ed Limon, Creative Director, and the production team at Winged Whale Media for their exceptional creative execution of the immersive film and for successfully submitting the project to the 49th Annual Telly Awards.
The British Virgin Islands Aquatics Experience, available at the Virtual Reality Interactive Guest Experience Museum, invites visitors to dive into the Territory’s vibrant underwater world through immersive 360-degree storytelling. Showcasing the beauty and diversity of one of the Caribbean’s premier marine destinations, the experience offers an engaging and memorable journey beneath the surface. Beyond the museum, the virtual reality platform serves as a powerful destination marketing tool for the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, enhancing international trade shows, consumer activations, and industry exhibitions around the world. By allowing prospective travelers and travel professionals to virtually experience the destination firsthand, the technology inspires future visits, strengthens destination awareness, and equips travel advisors with a compelling and interactive way to recommend the British Virgin Islands to their clients.
As the British Virgin Islands continues to embrace emerging technologies, the BVITBFC remains committed to developing innovative experiences that inspire future visitors, enhance destination awareness, and strengthen the Territory’s presence on the global stage.
The award-winning British Virgin Islands Aquatics Experience can be viewed at: https://www.tellyawards.com/winners/2026/immersive-interactive-mixed/craft-use-of-360-video/the-british-virgin-islands-aquatics-experience/364582/.