U.S. Virgin Islands Advances Airlift Development Strategy at Routes Americas 2026
U.S. Virgin Islands (March 6, 2026) – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism continued to advance its air service development strategy at Routes Americas 2026, held March 3–5 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During the event, the delegation met with key airline and airport partners to reinforce collaboration, strengthen long-term relationships, and support continued connectivity growth for the Territory.
Members of the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation meet with a representative from Sun Country Airlines at the U.S. Virgin Islands booth during Routes Americas 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
During the three-day forum, official meetings were held with Breeze, Copenhagen Airport, Delta, Southwest, United, Porter Airways, Denver Airport, and JetBlue. Conversations centered on strengthening relationships, sustaining momentum for the destination, and identifying practical next steps that support continued growth in access to the territory.
Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King emphasized the value of direct engagement with airline partners and airport leaders in one setting. “Routes Americas gives us a focused opportunity to sit down with the teams shaping airline network decisions and talk through what travelers are looking for, what markets are performing, and where the next opportunities are for the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “We are continuing to work closely with airline partners that currently operate flights to St. Thomas while exploring opportunities to expand service to St. Croix, where strong demand and yield signal clear potential for additional airlift. Our goal is to keep building smart, sustainable air access that supports our tourism economy and makes it even easier to reach our islands.”
In addition to the scheduled meetings, the delegation also connected with regional partners and tourism leaders, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization, as well as colleagues from Jamaica, Anguilla, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, and other destinations. These conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration across the region, particularly as Caribbean destinations align on shared challenges and opportunities tied to air access, traveler demand, and seasonal patterns.
Routes Americas is recognized as a leading platform for air service development in the region, combining one-to-one meetings with networking events designed to support decision-making across airlines, airports, and destinations. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism will continue follow-up discussions initiated in Rio as part of its ongoing work to strengthen air connectivity and support the long-term growth of the territory’s visitor economy.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, 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 on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).
Media Contacts:
Efrain Rivera
Development Counsellors International
[email protected]
Alani Henneman
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
[email protected]