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Image Credit VisitUSVI
In 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands have seen notable improvements in several areas of its tourism sector. Joseph Boschulte, the Commissioner of Tourism, highlighted the territory’s strong performance and attributed it to the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and local stakeholders. The focus has been on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and maintaining cultural authenticity.
Increased Air and Cruise Arrivals The territory has expanded its air service, introducing new daily nonstop flights from Dallas to St. Thomas. Additional services from Chicago and Boston are set to commence in December. St. Croix is also set to benefit from new nonstop flights from Chicago. Although air arrivals for 2025 are slightly below the record numbers of 2024, the increase in connectivity is expected to boost future travel.
Cruise tourism is also on the rise, with St. Thomas/St. John expecting to welcome 1,487,753 passengers from 414 ship calls, a 4% increase from the previous year. St. Croix is set to see 86 calls, bringing over 208,086 passengers, underscoring its growing importance in the cruise sector.
Accommodation and Cultural Events Draw Visitors The hotel sector has experienced a 4.3% increase in occupancy, with hotel tax collections surpassing the previous year’s figures significantly. The short-term rental market is also performing well, with revenue tracking nearly 11% ahead of the previous fiscal year. The U.S. Virgin Islands rank third in the Caribbean for average daily rate and revenue per available room, significantly outperforming the regional average.
Cultural events like the Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Thomas Carnival have continued to attract thousands of visitors, generating substantial media value and showcasing the islands’ rich cultural heritage. The upcoming St. John Celebration is also expected to draw large crowds.
National Marketing and Strategic Partnerships The U.S. Virgin Islands have intensified their marketing efforts nationally, collaborating with major sports teams and celebrities to boost visibility. Partnerships with entities like the LPGA, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox, along with features at major events like the Dreamville Festival, have played a crucial role in promoting the destination.
Meetings and Incentives Sector Growth The meetings and incentives travel sector has seen significant growth, with over 17 programs booked in the last fiscal year, generating thousands of room nights and substantial revenue. St. Thomas has emerged as a preferred destination for incentive travel in the Caribbean, ranking ahead of well-known destinations like Puerto Rico and Jamaica.
The U.S. Virgin Islands received several accolades in 2025, including titles like Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year and Event Destination of the Year. These awards and high rankings for local beaches in global surveys reinforce the territory’s status as a top Caribbean destination.
