The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) celebrated a record-breaking year in tourism, with passenger arrivals reaching new heights in 2024.
On December 28, the territory saw its highest single-day arrival, welcoming 4,606 visitors, which contributed to a weekly record of over 24,000 arrivals—5.92% higher than the previous milestone. Airline arrivals at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix totalled 932,265 passengers for the year, surpassing pre-pandemic records by over 100,000 and reflecting a 16.5% increase compared to 2023.
March alone marked a record-breaking month with 106,026 arrivals, fuelled by expanded airline routes from carriers such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta. Cruise tourism also surged, with 1.77 million passengers visiting the islands in 2024—a 9.8% increase over the previous year.
This growth was supported by maiden voyages of major ships, including Scarlet Lady, Icon of the Seas, and Disney Treasure, enhancing the USVI’s reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte emphasized the territory’s commitment to improving its offerings and maintaining its position as a leading travel destination.
Partnerships with airlines, cruise operators, and local stakeholders have been key to this sustained growth. The USVI’s record-breaking achievements in air and cruise arrivals underscore its thriving tourism sector, paving the way for further success in the Caribbean travel market.
