U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (October 7, 2026) – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, participated in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Annual Meetings and State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Georgetown, Guyana, joining tourism leaders and stakeholders from across the region to discuss industry performance, regional collaboration and opportunities to strengthen Caribbean tourism.
During the CTO Council of Ministers and Board of Directors meetings, the U.S. Virgin Islands was highlighted among the region’s leading destinations for tourism growth. According to data presented by the CTO, the Territory ranked as the second-fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean, behind Anguilla, with a 16.4% increase, and ranked second in fastest-growing cruise destinations, behind Puerto Rico, with a 40.2% increase. The results underscore the continued strength of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism sector and the Territory’s growing position within the regional visitor economy.
“Continued membership and participation in the CTO support a variety of pertinent pillars of the Department’s mandate, while establishing and strengthening relationships throughout the Caribbean tourism ecosystem,” said Commissioner Matarangas-King. “As fortunate residents of the vast and mighty Caribbean region, our collective support of one another presents a tangible growth opportunity for each of our destinations. We are seeing this most notably through the continued growth of inter-Caribbean airlift, which is creating greater connectivity and opportunities for travel between our islands, including increased access to both St. Thomas and St. Croix.”
In addition to the Council of Ministers and Board of Directors meetings, the U.S. Virgin Islands participated in the CTO Annual General Meeting (AGM), where Commissioner Matarangas-King was unopposed and appointed to represent the U.S. Territories on the CTO Executive Board. In this capacity, she will represent the interests of the U.S. Territories on the governing board of the regional tourism organization, helping to advance shared priorities and strengthen collaboration among Caribbean destinations.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands is proud to continue playing an active role within the CTO and to contribute to conversations that shape the future of Caribbean tourism,” Matarangas-King added. “Our region is strongest when we work collectively, share resources and best practices, and identify opportunities that benefit our destinations and the communities and people who depend on tourism.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands also extended congratulations to the outgoing leadership of the CTO. The Department congratulates Minister Ian Gooding-Edgehill, outgoing Chair of the CTO Council of Ministers, and Ms. Andrea Franklin, outgoing Chair of the CTO Board of Directors, both of Barbados, for their leadership, service and contributions to the organization and the wider Caribbean tourism industry.
The Department also congratulates Minister Henry Charles Fernandez, newly appointed Chair of the CTO Council of Ministers, and Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and newly appointed Chair of the CTO Board of Directors. The U.S. Virgin Islands looks forward to working with the new leadership as the region continues to strengthen collaboration, connectivity, resilience and sustainable tourism growth. Additionally, the Department thanks CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper for her continued partnership and leadership.
The CTO meetings provided an opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands to engage with tourism officials, industry partners and regional stakeholders on issues impacting the Caribbean visitor economy, while reinforcing the Territory’s commitment to regional cooperation and continued growth.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us @VisitUSVI on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest, and @USVITourism on TikTok, X and LinkedIn.