Expedia’s latest report has named St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the leading emerging destination for summer travel this year. The island has witnessed a significant 45 percent increase in search activity over the past year, attributed to enhanced air service from the mainland U.S. The allure of a Caribbean getaway that does not require a passport for U.S. tourists has boosted St. Thomas’s appeal.

Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, “It’s terrific to make it into the top ten of Expedia’s Summer Outlook, but clinching the top spot is truly extraordinary. Our team is elated by this achievement and remains committed to promoting our beautiful territory.”

Other destinations on Expedia’s list include San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Cleveland, Ohio, which are drawing attention for their vibrant cultural scenes and dynamic city life. San Juan has recorded a 35 percent rise in travel interest thanks to its picturesque beaches and historical richness, while Cleveland is gaining traction for its trendy atmosphere and diverse recreational opportunities.

The survey further identified Indianapolis, Indiana; Las Vegas, Nevada; Napa County, California; and Honolulu, Hawaii as popular travel spots. Each city offers unique attractions, from Indianapolis’s family-friendly downtown to Las Vegas’s entertainment and nightlife, and from Napa’s vineyard-covered landscapes to Honolulu’s balance of urban and natural attractions.

Emerging destinations like Mackinac Island, Michigan, and Kauai, Hawaii, also made the list, offering visitors serene, nature-oriented getaways. Mackinac Island is ideal for a relaxing summer retreat, whereas Kauai offers a tranquil escape amidst lush tropical scenery.

This broad spectrum of destinations highlights the diverse interests of U.S. travelers, ranging from urban exploration and cultural immersion to peaceful retreats in picturesque settings.

Governor Albert Bryan has unveiled plans for an inaugural one-day summit aimed at gathering extensive feedback from stakeholders in the US Virgin Islands’ tourism industry. Announced during a Monday press briefing, the summit is envisioned as a post-season debrief to celebrate successes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Governor Bryan emphasized the importance of such a debrief, stating, “Following any major event, a thorough review of what worked, what didn’t, and how we can enhance operations is crucial.” He highlighted the summit’s goal to foster more cohesive operations across various sectors such as transportation, lodging, food & beverage, and excursions. The idea is to gather direct feedback from those closest to the tourism activities, encapsulating the experiences of both land-based and maritime visitors.

The governor drew upon his recent experience at the Seatrade convention in Miami, where the performance of the US Virgin Islands’ tourism was praised. “Our industry leaders are enthusiastic about our current trajectory,” he noted. Nevertheless, he sees the local summit as a strategic move to tailor discussions to the specific context and challenges of the USVI.

Governor Bryan has tasked Joe Boschulte and his team at the Department of Tourism with the summit’s organization, stressing the urgency of translating feedback into actionable plans. These actions, according to him, will involve collaborations among the executive branch, the legislature, and private sector partners to amplify the past season’s successes into future enhancements.

Highlighting the tourism sector’s significance, Governor Bryan remarked, “Tourism accounts for 70 percent of our economy, necessitating ongoing enhancement to maintain and boost our market position.” This new annual summit represents a proactive step in ensuring the US Virgin Islands remain a premier destination by aligning stakeholder efforts and directly addressing the industry’s unique challenges.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recently highlighted the U.S. Virgin Islands’ significant role in global cruise tourism at the Seatrade Global conference in Miami, emphasizing the territory’s commanding 5 percent market share. At a Government House press briefing this Monday, Governor Bryan shared insights from his participation in the conference, which took place from April 8 to 11. This event annually attracts executives, stakeholders, and government officials worldwide to discuss cruise industry trends and partnerships.

Initially skeptical about the conference’s value, Governor Bryan was impressed by the productive discussions this year, including meetings with leaders from major cruise lines such as Disney, Norwegian, MSC, Holland America, and Princess Caribbean. “These discussions were pivotal in shaping the decisions we’re making to advance our tourism sector,” he stated. The governor pointed out the exciting opportunities for St. Croix, noting its high potential for growth in the cruise industry.

Governor Bryan also noted that cruising has broadened globally, reaching non-traditional destinations like Palau and South Korea. Despite growing competition, he proudly stated that the Virgin Islands attract 1.6 million passengers annually, maintaining a strong presence with a 5 percent share of the global market.

He praised the V.I. Port Authority and V.I. Department of Tourism for their efforts in upgrading the tourism infrastructure, from boardwalks to restrooms, enhancing the overall visitor experience. With tourism accounting for 70% of the territory’s economy, these enhancements are proving essential. “These initiatives and investments are really proving to be worthwhile,” he remarked.

The governor also hinted at upcoming legislative changes inspired by discussions at Seatrade, aimed at boosting the cruise and tourism sectors, particularly on St. Croix. He expressed optimism about future public-private partnerships that emerged from the event.

Concluding his reflections on the conference, Governor Bryan shared that it offered a valuable perspective on how the Virgin Islands positions itself in the international market and leverages data analytics. He expressed satisfaction with the territory’s ongoing success and its role in the broader trend of global tourism expansion.