Tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands “continues to grow” thanks to increased visitor numbers, strategic marketing programs and continued excitement across the U.S. territory.
That was the lesson learned by a U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Board delegation, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, when they traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica, to participate in the 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
As part of the event, Boschulte addressed a press conference attended by more than 30 international journalists, where he shared the latest updates on the region, including hotels, air transport, cruises and awards.
“We look forward to participating in the Caribbean Travel Marketplace each year as it is one of the best opportunities to showcase what’s new in the U.S. Virgin Islands to suppliers, media and our regional counterparts,” said Boschulte.
In addition to the Marketplace Conference, department members also attended the 3rd Annual Caribbean Travel Forum hosted by CHTA.
The forum featured presentations highlighting ForwardKeys’ Caribbean Trends Report and panels providing industry updates.
Lisa Hamilton of the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association represented the region as a panelist and discussed regional sustainability and resilience.
This year, the USVI has continued to grow exponentially and has become a regional leader in the Caribbean tourism revival.
The destination was named as the best-performing business destination in the 2024 Forward Keys report, with an 18 percent increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2023.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism product continues to improve, a testament to the hard work of many people who work together to showcase the best of the territory,” said Boschulte. “From tourism bureau officials to the staff at hotels, restaurants, boutiques, shops and attractions, to taxi drivers and all those who share a warm, welcoming smile with our visitors, their collective efforts do not go unnoticed and are reflected in the continued increase in visitor numbers.”
