U.S. Virgin Islands Closes 2025 with Strong Tourism Performance and Momentum into 2026

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (January 8, 2026): The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism closed out 2025 with strong tourism performance across the Territory, reinforcing its standing as a leading Caribbean destination. Throughout the year, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands remained resilient, supported by consistent air access, active cruise operations, and sustained interest from key U.S. markets.

Across the year, the U.S. Virgin Islands welcomed almost 1 million airline passengers through Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, reflecting consistent demand from core U.S. markets. Cruise travel also played an important role in overall visitation, with nearly 1.83 million cruise passengers arriving in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Looking ahead, scheduled air service enhancements and forward cruise schedules support continued growth in 2026, with airline arrivals projected to reach 927,000 and cruise passenger volume expected to total 1,960,000.

“The close of 2025 reflects the strength and discipline of the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism product,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “Our focus was on maintaining access, strengthening partnerships, and guiding growth in a way that aligns with our communities as we move into 2026.”

Beyond visitor volume, the U.S. Virgin Islands continued to elevate its profile through strategic sports and lifestyle partnerships that expanded national visibility across key U.S. markets. Throughout 2025, the Department maintained ongoing collaborations with organizations including the New York Jets, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Bucks, Pickleball for America, and Fenway Sports Group, extending destination awareness to new and repeat audiences while reinforcing the Territory’s brand. These efforts were complemented by continued support of in-destination sporting events such as Paradise Jam, the YES Tournament, the USVI Cup, and the St. Thomas International Regatta.

The destination earned significant travel and industry recognition during 2025, reinforcing the U.S. Virgin Islands’ standing across both consumer and trade audiences. Trunk Bay on St. John and Magens Bay on St. Thomas were named among the Caribbean’s Top 10 beaches in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, while St. John was also recognized in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The U.S. Virgin Islands also received multiple honors from Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards, including Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year for St. Croix, Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year, and Event Destination of the Year, along with individual recognition for Chef David “Benji” Benjamin. In addition, the Territory earned accolades at the 2025 HSMAI Adrian Awards, receiving a Silver Award for the U.S. Virgin Islands Website Redesign and a Bronze Award for Experiential Activations Introducing the U.S. Virgin Islands to New Markets, while visitUSVI.com was recognized with an Outstanding Website award at the 2025 Internet Advertising Awards.

Closing out the year, the U.S. Virgin Islands secured multiple honors in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, including St. Croix ranking #6 on the list of Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2026. The Territory also earned three additional nominations highlighting St. Croix favorites across categories for Best Caribbean Beach Bar, Best Caribbean Resort, and Best Caribbean Rum.

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.

Media Contacts:

Efrain Rivera
Development Counsellors International
[email protected]

Alani Henneman
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
[email protected]