The U.S. Virgin Islands closed out 2025 with another year of strong tourism performance, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most resilient destinations — and setting the stage for continued growth in 2026.
According to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, travel demand remained steady throughout the year, supported by consistent airlift, robust cruise activity, and sustained interest from key mainland U.S. markets. Officials say the results reflect a deliberate strategy focused on maintaining access and guiding long-term growth rather than chasing short-term spikes.
Nearly One Million Airline Passengers in 2025
Over the course of 2025, nearly one million airline passengers arrived through Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. The figures underscore steady demand across both islands, bolstered by year-round service that helped sustain momentum beyond traditional peak travel periods.
Reliable air connectivity from core U.S. gateways continued to underpin the destination’s performance, keeping the territory accessible to both repeat visitors and first-time travelers.
Cruise Tourism Continues to Drive Visitation
Cruise arrivals remained a major contributor to overall visitor volume. Nearly 1.83 million cruise passengers visited St. Thomas and St. Croix during 2025, reaffirming the U.S. Virgin Islands’ importance on Eastern Caribbean itineraries.
St. Thomas continued its role as one of the region’s busiest cruise ports, while St. Croix expanded its presence with increased cruise calls and broader itinerary inclusion.
Strong Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, tourism officials are projecting continued momentum into 2026. The Department of Tourism estimates airline arrivals of approximately 927,000 passengers next year, while cruise passenger volume is expected to rise to roughly 1.96 million — bringing total visitation close to three million travelers.
Officials say the forward outlook reflects strong demand and confidence from both airline and cruise partners.
A Focus on Access and Community-Aligned Growth
“The close of 2025 reflects the strength and discipline of the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism product,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, commissioner of 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.”
Tourism leaders continue to emphasize the importance of balancing visitor growth with local priorities as travel demand evolves across the Caribbean.
Expanding Visibility Through Sports and Lifestyle Partnerships
Beyond arrival numbers, the U.S. Virgin Islands expanded its national visibility through a series of sports and lifestyle partnerships aimed at engaging travelers in key U.S. markets.
Throughout 2025, the Department of Tourism maintained collaborations with organizations including the New York Jets, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Bucks, Pickleball for America, and Fenway Sports Group. Officials say these partnerships helped extend destination awareness while reinforcing the territory’s brand presence nationwide.
In-Destination Events Support Year-Round Travel
National marketing efforts were complemented by continued support for sporting events hosted within the territory. Events such as Paradise Jam, the YES Tournament, the USVI Cup, and the St. Thomas International Regatta drew athletes, fans, and visitors to the islands, further positioning the U.S. Virgin Islands as a destination for competitive and spectator sports.
Tourism officials say the combination of reliable air access, cruise activity, targeted partnerships, and on-island events has helped create a more balanced, year-round tourism pattern.
As 2026 approaches, the U.S. Virgin Islands enter the new year with forward bookings in place and a strategy centered on access, partnerships, and long-term sustainability across the territory.
