Dwelling
»
America Journey Information
»
U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Reaches New Heights with File-Breaking Passenger Numbers Spotlighting St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as Prime Locations
Thursday, January 9, 2025
The U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism celebrates record-breaking passenger arrivals, underscoring the rising reputation of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as premier tourism locations.
December 28 closed the yr on a outstanding observe, with 4,606 passenger arrivals in a single day, exceeding the earlier file set in March 2024. This milestone additionally contributed to a brand new weekly arrival file, with greater than 24,000 guests, reflecting a 5.92% development in comparison with the earlier benchmark.
“As a destination, we continue to explore, elevate, and improve, which further supports the ongoing goal to build upon our commitment to be a premier Caribbean destination,” shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism.
The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrated a banner yr for tourism in 2024, with customer numbers reaching unprecedented ranges. Airline arrivals at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix totaled 932,265 passengers, surpassing the earlier file by greater than 100,000. This spectacular milestone marked a 16.5% enhance in comparison with 2023 and highlighted the islands’ resurgence as a sought-after journey vacation spot.
Milestones in Air Journey
March 2024 set the tone for a yr of achievements, recording 106,026 airline arrivals—the best month-to-month whole in historical past. The addition and return of main airline routes, together with providers from American Airways, Cape Air, Delta Air Traces, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit Airways, Solar Nation, and United Airways, contributed considerably to this success.
Cruise Tourism Development
Cruise tourism additionally skilled a surge, with 1,770,922 passengers visiting the islands, reflecting a 9.8% enhance from 2023. This development was pushed by the arrival of latest and iconic ships, akin to Scarlet Girl, Icon of the Seas, Disney Treasure, Explora I, Solar Princess, Explora II, Emerald Azzurra, Superstar Apex, and Rhapsody of the Seas. These visits underscore the Territory’s dedication to fostering partnerships throughout the cruise trade.
Prestigious Recognitions
The U.S. Virgin Islands’ excellent tourism efficiency was additional validated by a sequence of prestigious awards in 2024:
Porthole Cruise and Journey Journal: Greatest Caribbean Cruise Vacation spot
Caribbean Journal Caribbean Journey Awards:
Caribbean Culinary Vacation spot (St. Croix)
Caribbean Yachting Vacation spot of the 12 months
Occasion Vacation spot of the 12 months
USA TODAY 10 Greatest Readers’ Alternative Journey Awards:
Prime 10 Greatest Seashore: Honeymoon Seashore, St. John
The World’s 50 Greatest Seashores:
#1 Greatest Seashore within the World: Trunk Bay, St. John
Expedia 2024 Summer season Outlook:
#1 Home Trending Summer season Vacation spot: St. Thomas
HSMAI Adrian Awards:
Experiential Advertising Bronze Award for the Caribbean Method of Sports activities & Way of life Tourism marketing campaign
A Premier Vacation spot for Guests
These accolades, coupled with record-breaking arrivals, showcase the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier vacation spot for vacationers worldwide. With its unparalleled seashores, vibrant tradition, and revolutionary tourism methods, the Territory is positioned for continued success in 2025 and past.
“As we look to 2025, we will continue to push the creativity of our marketing strategies, which includes advertising, social media, public relations, and partnerships to connect with and keep the U.S. Virgin Islands top of mind for new and returning travelers,” provides Commissioner Boschulte.
Commissioner Boschulte and the Division of Tourism crew are centered on a dynamic future, striving to determine the U.S. Virgin Islands as the final word vacation spot for vacationers in search of breathtaking pure landscapes, vibrant tradition, and real hospitality.