At the Routes Americas event in Bogota, Colombia, from March 19-21, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) made a significant impact. Under the leadership of Commissioner Joseph Boschulte from the Department of Tourism, the USVI team showcased their expertise in developing air access and establishing key partnerships in the aviation sector.

The team engaged in constructive discussions with 13 leading entities in the industry, featuring airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit Airways, JetBlue, and United. These discussions focused on strategies for launching new services in sought-after markets, improving current routes, and adapting to seasonal changes to fully leverage the Territory’s tourism capabilities.

Commissioner Boschulte expressed enthusiasm about the outcome of the meetings, emphasizing the positive feedback received from airline partners. “Our participation at Routes Americas 2024 was instrumental in solidifying our partnerships with key airlines and furthering our efforts to enhance air access to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The positive feedback received reaffirms our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences for travelers.”

They shared detailed market insights, upcoming marketing initiatives, collaborative ventures, and award-winning tactics. These efforts were well received by the airline representatives, who showed interest in integrating these findings into their future plans.

Commissioner Boschulte also highlighted the remarkable success of the USVI’s air access initiatives, reporting record-breaking results for the current winter season. “We are thrilled to report unprecedented growth in air arrivals, with exceptionally strong yields to both St. Thomas and St. Croix,” he stated. “The continued support from our airline partners emphasizes the promising outlook for tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Between January and August 2024, the USVI anticipates a remarkable 28% increase in air arrivals, showcasing a significant upward trend in travel demand. This period also saw an 18% rise in arrivals from January to February 2024 compared to the same timeframe in 2022. The projections for the Continental US Winter season of 2023/2024 suggest a 25% rise over the previous winter and a 15% increase from the winter of 2021/2022.

Moreover, specific data for St. Thomas and St. Croix indicate strong growth patterns. For the Continental US Winter season of December to March 2023/2024, St. Thomas expects a 20% increase, while St. Croix anticipates a dramatic 48% rise compared to the previous winter. Additionally, from January to August 2024, St. Thomas and St. Croix have already seen significant growth rates compared to the past years.

The Department of Tourism of the USVI is committed to leveraging the positive exposure from Routes Americas 2024. With a focus on improving air access, nurturing partnerships, and providing exceptional travel experiences, the USVI is poised for continued growth and success in the tourism sector.

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