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If you are longing for a tropical getaway, the U.S. Virgin Islands is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. Recently, the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte conducted a satellite media tour to share tips on how to best experience the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/K3EZnYGhDX4
Discover the innovation, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes that make the US Virgin Islands a unique and unforgettable destination.
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three main islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located.
Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico.
U.S. Virgin Islands Marks Impressive Year-End Achievements and Sets Ambitious Goals For 2024
The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrated the end of 2023 with remarkable achievements and a vision for an even brighter future in 2024. Under the leadership of Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, the territory has made significant strides in several key areas.
In a year-over-year comparison, the U.S. Virgin Islands has continued to see robust revenue from the shared economy industry, reaching an impressive $343.4 million in 2023, a slight reduction from the record-setting figure of $360.53 million in the previous year. The hotel occupancy rate stands at a commendable 61.8% Hotel bookings within the territory also outpace the regional average daily rate (ADR) with a rate of $463.23, compared to $318.81 regionally. Additionally, the territorys Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) continues to soar above regional standards.
The U.S. Virgin Islands played a prominent role in the Caribbean's double-digit growth in tourism, with international arrivals projected to witness a remarkable 39% increase above 2019 levels in the fourth quarter of 2023. Also, extended stay visitors have seen a significant 25% rise.
While 2022 presented some challenges due to cross-industry constraints, including pilot and airplane shortages, the end-of-2023 projections for 2024 remain positive. Seat capacity has increased from the continental U.S. to 23% in St. Croix and 21% in St. Thomas, largely due to the strategy of maintaining strong relations with major carriers.
The Department of Tourism has expanded its strategic marketing efforts leading the way for the region into sports marketing garnering partnerships with renowned sports teams and entities, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Jets, Chicago Cubs, and Klutch Sports Group. Additionally, in the sports space the department has established ambassadorships with athletes who have familial ties to the territory including WNBA standout Aliyah Boston, Brooklyn Nets player Nic Claxton, Professional Golfer Alex Swain, and collegiate basketball standout Mervin James at Rider University.
Looking ahead to 2024, the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to strengthen its presence in the sports and entertainment arenas, as well as continue to build out cultural correlation with the Caribbean diaspora.
The past year also marked successful elevation of the territorys three Carnival celebrations featuring more revelers on each island and expansion of the Village Nights that spotlighted local talent including Pressure, Adam O, Star Martin and Karnage, international and Caribbean performers Davido, Machel Montano, Kes, Shenseea Koffee, Dexta Daps, Alison Hinds, Patrice Roberts and more. Carnivals success has opened the territory to opportunities for cultural exchanges with other islands in the region and African countries.
For the coming year, the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase concentrate on:
Airlift: Engage in ongoing conversations with airline executives to increase airlift from the U.S. mainland for winter 2024-25. Restoration of international negotiations with airlines in Denmark, Italy, and Canada is a priority. Our focus is on adding flights to St. Croix from the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Cruise: The partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will help us to increase cruise calls, create new experiences, collaborate with the local private sector, and generate employment opportunities. Cruise passenger projections indicate a 13% rise for 2024, with nearly 200,000 new passengers expected.
Marine: Strengthen partnerships with marine stakeholders, expand marine experiences, and attract businesses to set up headquarters in the USVI. Collaboration with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) on marine initiatives and working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to support increased marine development are key goals. We are excited to launch the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) in 2024.
Film: The USVI aims to attract film production with its stunning landscapes and unique locations.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.
BIO: JOSEPH BOSCHULTE
Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth.
Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of both the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees Retirement System, and chaired the VI Public Services Commission.
Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVIs Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City.
Currently, Boschulte serves as the Chairman for the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and sits on the board for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association.
Commissioner Boschulte earned his MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha, and proud parents of children Jaeden and Janae.
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