Tourism Summit

    Tourism Bulletin

Tourism Summit

The USVI Department of Tourism recently hosted its inaugural Tourism Summit at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef on STT. The event brought together industry experts, local professionals, and stakeholders to provide a comprehensive look at current and past strategies while offering insights into the latest industry trends and technologies.  

“The purpose of this summit is twofold,” Gov. Abert Bryan Jr. said as he issued the welcoming address. “To celebrate our remarkable achievements in tourism and our successes within the Caribbean, and to gather insights from our local tourism stakeholders on sustaining this progress. This event provides a platform to explore how we can further strengthen and develop our tourism product,” the Governor went on. “Tourism represents nearly 70 percent of the Territory’s GDP, and through continued efforts and partnerships across private, public, and local government sectors, we will foster growth from hotel development to increased support for local businesses and purveyors.”

Commissioner Boschulte of the Department of Tourism followed with a detailed presentation on the state of USVI tourism, remarking, “Hosting our first Tourism Summit is a pivotal moment for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The insights and ideas shared underscore the essential role of innovation, cultural heritage, and community engagement in driving our tourism sector forward. We are dedicated to transforming these discussions into actionable strategies that will fortify our tourism offerings for years to come.” 

USVI in Aspen, Colorado

The USVI Department of Tourism made a significant impact at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, recently, emphasizing the Territory’s commitment to the luxury travel market. The event hosted by Dot Dash Meredith’s Food & Wine Magazine, attracted over 4,000 attendees, including high-profile guests like former NBA star Channing Frye and James Beard Award Winner Gregory Gourdet. The USVI delegation, featuring locally renowned chefs Digby Stridiron and Kerish Robles, showcased modern takes on regional classics such as johnny cakes, pates, conch water, and fungi.

“The U.S. Virgin Islands is committed to being a top destination for luxury travelers,” remarked Department of Tourism Commissioner Boschulte. “ Our world-class resorts and exceptional culinary offerings make the Virgin Islands a must-see visit for those seeking the best in hospitality and dining.”

Royal Caribbean Profits

Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), the world’s second largest cruise line operator, based out of Miami, Florida, raised its annual profit forecast for the third time this year on higher ticket prices due to increased demand and strong onboard spending for cruise vacations. Cruise operators had ample room to raise ticket prices, capitalizing on record soaring demand for vacations at sea as Americans splurge on the cruise experience. 

The company had a net income in 2023 of $1.7 billion, which, according to the ‘Royal Caribbeanblog,’ breaks down to approximately $368.00 profit per passenger. 

“Exceptional demand for our vacation experiences has accelerated our performance by generating significant yield growth over the past several years,” stated Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason T. Liberty. “The percent of guests who were either new to brand or new to cruise experience surpassed 2019 levels by a wide margin.”