U.S. Virgin Islands Marks a Milestone in Air Travel Expansion at Routes Americas

During the recent Routes Americas 2024 forum held from March 19th to 21st in Bogota, Colombia, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism announced a notable advancement in air access and the development of airline partnerships. This achievement was highlighted through the USVI’s impactful presence at the event.

Under Commissioner Joseph Boschulte’s guidance, the USVI delegation demonstrated their strategic acumen in boosting the territory’s aviation connectivity and tourism appeal, as detailed in a department press release.

The delegation’s engagement at the event was marked by fruitful interactions with 13 key industry players, including premier airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit Airways, JetBlue, and United. These conversations revolved around strategic openings for new market gateways, enhancements to existing routes, and measures to alleviate seasonal dips, all aimed at propelling tourism growth in the region.

Commissioner Boschulte shared his enthusiasm about the outcomes of these discussions, emphasizing the significant role they played in reinforcing partnerships with crucial airlines and propelling forward the USVI’s air access agendas. “The encouraging feedback from our airline partners serves as a validation of our dedicated efforts to elevate travel experiences within the USVI,” he remarked.

The delegation’s presentation, which detailed market analyses, forthcoming marketing initiatives, and collaborative opportunities, was met with commendation from airline representatives. This reception paves the way for forthcoming joint efforts in schedule coordination and network design.

Commissioner Boschulte also announced an unprecedented surge in air arrivals for the ongoing winter season, marking a prosperous phase for tourism in the USVI. He stated, “The remarkable uptick in air traffic, especially to St. Thomas and St. Croix, reflects the success of our initiatives to expand air access and our strong collaboration with airline partners.”

From January to August 2024, air arrivals in the USVI are projected to see a stunning 28% increase from the previous year, with early 2024 data already indicating an 18% rise from the same timeframe in 2022. The 2023/2024 Continental US Winter season is expected to experience a 25% growth from the last winter and a 15% improvement from the 2021/2022 season.

Particularly, St. Thomas and St. Croix are witnessing significant expansions, with forecasts showing a 20% and an impressive 48% increase, respectively, for the December to March 2023/2024 period over the last winter. Additionally, from January to August 2024, both islands have recorded notable year-over-year growth, with St. Thomas up by 28% from 2023 and St. Croix by 17%, underscoring the territory’s positive trajectory in tourism.

The Department of Tourism remains dedicated to capitalizing on the momentum generated at Routes Americas 2024 to further improve air access, strengthen airline relationships, and ensure exceptional travel experiences. With an emphasis on sustainable development and achievement, the USVI is set on a promising path in the tourism sector.

For more information on the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit: https://www.visitusvi.com/