The U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department closed out 2025 with strong visitor numbers across the territory, reporting nearly 3 million combined airline and cruise passengers and projecting continued growth in 2026, the department announced in a press release.
Almost one million airline passengers traveled through Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix during 2025. Cruise travel remained a major driver of visitation, with nearly 1.83 million cruise passengers arriving on St. Thomas and St. Croix over the year, according to the press release.
Forward bookings and schedules point to additional gains in 2026, with airline arrivals projected at 927,000 and cruise passenger volume expected to reach 1.96 million, the press release stated.
“The close of 2025 reflects the strength and discipline of the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism product,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, commissioner of the Tourism Department. “Our focus was on maintaining access, strengthening partnerships, and guiding growth in a way that aligns with our communities as we move into 2026.”
The department also pointed to expanded national visibility through sports and lifestyle partnerships during 2025, including collaborations with the New York Jets, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Bucks, Pickleball for America and Fenway Sports Group. Those efforts were paired with continued support for in-territory events such as Paradise Jam, the YES Tournament, the USVI Cup and the St. Thomas International Regatta, the release stated.
The territory received multiple travel and industry honors in 2025. 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 recognized in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Additional recognition came from Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards, including culinary, yachting and event destination honors, as well as individual recognition for Chef David “Benji” Benjamin, the release stated.
The U.S. Virgin Islands also earned awards at the 2025 HSMAI Adrian Awards, receiving a Silver Award for its website redesign and a Bronze Award for experiential activations introducing the destination to new markets. VisitUSVI.com was named Outstanding Website at the 2025 Internet Advertising Awards, the release stated.
Rounding out the year, St. Croix ranked No. 6 on the list of Best Caribbean Islands to Visit in 2026 in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Territory also received additional nominations recognizing St. Croix locations in categories for best Caribbean beach bar, resort and rum, it stated.
More information is available at visitusvi.com.
