USVI Highlights Tourism Achievements at Seatrade Cruise Global 2024

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism showcased their recent advancements and partnerships in the cruise industry at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami, Florida. Led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman, and Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, the USVI delegation played a pivotal role at the event.

The conference began with a welcoming barbecue sponsored by the Department of Tourism and hosted by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. This gathering brought together key figures from the Virgin Islands Legislature, Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Company Limited, Magens Bay Authority, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Government Employee Retirement System. Together, they promoted the USVI as a top Caribbean destination.

Commissioner Boschulte emphasized the vital role of cruising in the USVI’s tourism strategy, stating, “Cruise tourism remains a cornerstone for our visitor intake, and Seatrade offers a unique platform for us to engage with industry leaders and share essential updates to bolster our relationships.”

During the event, Boschulte appeared on the Caribbean Spotlight panel, moderated by Michelle Paige, CEO of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). Paige lauded Boschulte’s contributions, referencing his accolade as the 2023 Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year by Caribbean Journal. She noted, “The U.S. Virgin Islands have undergone significant growth, largely due to Boschulte’s leadership in navigating post-pandemic challenges with innovation and a data-centric approach to tourism.”

The USVI team also participated in key discussions with executives from Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Corporation & plc, exploring ongoing partnerships and new opportunities.

Boschulte highlighted the cruise sector’s robust recovery and growth, pointing out a 13% increase in visitor numbers in 2023 compared to 2019, with over 1.6 million passengers from 495 ship calls. This trend is expected to continue, with an anticipated 5% rise in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024.

He concluded, “Our collaborative efforts with partners like the FCCA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization are a testament to the Caribbean’s united front in tourism. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming destination, ensuring memorable experiences for our visitors and showcasing the unique attributes of the USVI.”