Aquatic Experience in the British Virgin Islands receives prestigious International Telly Award 2026 | News
The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission is proud to announce that the British Virgin Islands Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience has been honored 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 underlines the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to embracing cutting-edge digital technologies to showcase its unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant culture and world-class tourism offering to a global audience.
The award follows the recent opening of the Virtual Reality Interactive Guest Experience Museum at Crafts Alive Village in Road Town, Tortola, further highlighting the area’s growing investment in immersive tourism experiences. Together, these initiatives strengthen the British Virgin Islands’ reputation as a forward-thinking destination and 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 discovering new ways to connect with travelers and showcase the beauty, culture and unique character of the British Virgin Islands. The award-winning Virtual Reality Aquatics Experience offers audiences on a captivating and immersive journey through the Territory’s breathtaking marine environment, offering 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 recognized Mr. Ed Limon, Creative Director, and the Winged Whale Media production team for their exceptional creative execution of the compelling 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. The experience showcases the beauty and diversity of one of the Caribbean’s premier maritime destinations, offering a captivating and memorable journey beneath the surface. In addition to the museum, the virtual reality platform acts 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 potential travelers and travel professionals to experience the destination virtually, the technology inspires future visits, strengthens destination awareness and provides travel advisors with an engaging 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, increase 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-experiment/364582/.
