#U.S. Virgin Islands #Travel Growth #Caribbean Tourism

U.S. Virgin Islands Sees Strong Mid-Year Tourism Growth

As 2025 reaches its midpoint, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has reported impressive growth in several key areas of tourism. From increased airlift to a surge in cruise arrivals, the territory continues to attract travelers with its unique charm and offerings.

Significant Gains Across the Board

According to Joseph Boschulte, the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, the successes noted thus far are a testament to the hard work from the Department of Tourism and local stakeholders, who are committed to promoting sustainable growth while maintaining cultural authenticity.

Key statistics indicate that air service is becoming increasingly accessible, with new direct flights launched from Dallas to St. Thomas and additional routes scheduled from Chicago and Boston slated to begin in December. This expanded connectivity is particularly significant following record arrivals in 2024, with air arrivals for 2025 projected to remain strong, albeit slightly below last year's numbers.

Cruise tourism is also thriving. St. Thomas/St. John is forecasted to welcome over 1.4 million cruise passengers across nearly 415 ship calls this year, marking a 4% increase over previous periods. Meanwhile, St. Croix anticipates receiving over 208,000 cruise visitors, further bolstering its importance in the regional cruise strategy.

Hotel Sector Flourishing

The accommodation sector in the U.S. Virgin Islands is witnessing significant improvement as well. Hotel occupancy rates have risen by 4.3%, with tax collections showing a remarkable increase of 41% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Short-term rental revenue is following suit, climbing nearly 11% year-on-year. This performance positions the U.S. Virgin Islands as the third highest in the Caribbean for average daily rates and room revenue, both exceeding 30% above regional averages.

Cultural Events as Key Attractions

Cultural celebrations remain a pivotal aspect of tourism in the territory. Events such as the Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Thomas Carnival have generated enormous interest, yielding over $5.6 million in earned media value. The upcoming St. John Celebration is expected to draw even larger crowds, showcasing the vibrant cultural identity of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Enhanced Marketing and Sponsorships

To bolster its visibility, the U.S. Virgin Islands has engaged in several national marketing efforts, aligning with notable entities such as the LPGA and Chicago Cubs. Notably, features at major lifestyle events like the Dreamville Festival and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen are anticipated to further raise the territory's profile.

Meetings and incentives travel is also on the rise. The territory has booked over 17 programs during the last fiscal year, leading to substantial economic benefits with nearly $2.7 million in room revenues and a significant tax contribution. As a result, St. Thomas is now regarded as the fifth most desired Caribbean destination for such travel, outpacing competitors like Puerto Rico and Jamaica.

Awards and Recognition

The U.S. Virgin Islands has continued to garner prestigious awards. The territory has been highlighted as the Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year and Event Destination of the Year by Caribbean Journal. St. Croix has also been honored as the Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year, with local chef David