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Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Celebrating Caribbean Pride: U.S. Virgin Islands Leads with Impact at CTO Week in New York City
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, proudly celebrated a successful week of collaboration, connection, and cultural showcase during the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) annual Caribbean Week in New York City. The week of celebrations kicked off with a high-energy cultural activation at Citi Field during the New York Mets game, where the U.S. Virgin Islands brought vibrant island spirit to a sold-out crowd of 43,224 fans. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies lit up the stadium concourse, delighting attendees with the sights and sounds of the territory. The performance energized the fans and gave thousands of New Yorkers a taste of the USVI's rich cultural heritage, setting the tone for a dynamic Caribbean Week ahead. Held in the heart of Times Square, the four-day Caribbean Week event featured a series of CTO organizational meetings and insight-driven panels highlighting voices from across the Caribbean and the global tourism industry. Commissioner Boschulte helped kick off the week with a powerful welcome address, encouraging deeper regional collaboration and reinforcing the collective economic impact of Caribbean tourism. Following his remarks, Commissioner Boschulte participated in the 'Around the Caribbean in 60 Minutes' panel, joining tourism leaders from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Martin. The panel was moderated by Emmy Award–winning travel journalist Peter Greenberg and focused on regional trends, opportunities, and the shared vision for a stronger Caribbean. 'Each year, the team at CTO curates a meaningful event that brings together the Caribbean's top leaders and changemakers,' said Commissioner Boschulte. 'As a proud member of the CTO, the U.S. Virgin Islands remains committed to deepening cross-regional partnerships that not only enhance our tourism sector but also contribute to the long-term growth of our local economy.' On Tuesday, the U.S. Virgin Islands hosted and sponsored the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, benefitting the CTO Foundation. Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, a member of the foundation's board, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by Commissioner Boschulte's remarks on the importance of investing in the next generation of tourism professionals and regional leaders. Special guests included St. Thomas native Pastor Gilford Montrose, faith advisor to the Mayor of New York City, and iHeart Radio's DJ Whutever, whose roots trace back to both St. Thomas and St. John—underscoring the deep cultural connections between the U.S. Virgin Islands and New York City. The Tri-State area remains the U.S. Virgin Islands' largest source market, making Caribbean Week an essential opportunity to connect directly with travelers, media, and stakeholders from the region. Beyond the official CTO events, the Department of Tourism also sponsored the annual AFAR Happy Hour, hosted by AFAR Media CEO Greg Sullivan and Caribbean Ambassador Barry Brown. Guests were welcomed by USVI cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies before enjoying signature cocktails sponsored by Mutiny Island Vodka in a vibrant, invite-only celebration of Caribbean culture. To cap off the week, the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation brought the spirit of Carnival to Times Square during the first-ever CTO Caribbean Cultural Showcase. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies delighted crowds with an electrifying pop-up performance at the Crossroads of the World, captivating tourists and locals alike. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism remains focused on strengthening regional ties, reflected in the expansion of inter-Caribbean airlift, including recently added routes to St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Dominican Republic and Saint Barthélemy. For more photos from Caribbean Week, click here. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands 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 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. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
U.S. Virgin Islands Makes a Bold Impression at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism concluded a highly successful week at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the cruise industry's leading annual event, held in Miami, Florida. With a focus on strengthening partnerships, showcasing the territory's unique offerings, and elevating its cruise tourism strategy, the USVI delegation left a lasting impression on global cruise leaders, stakeholders, and attendees. The U.S. Virgin Islands delegation began the week with a warm and energetic welcome reception—a Caribbean BBQ hosted by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) headquarters. The event, proudly sponsored by the Department of Tourism, set the tone for a week of connection and collaboration. Cruise executives, partners, and media were treated to authentic Virgin Islands hospitality and cuisine in a festive atmosphere that celebrated the territory's vibrant culture and growing role in the global cruise industry. Throughout the conference, Governor Bryan and Commissioner Boschulte held a series of high-level, productive meetings with leading cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International. Discussions centered around itinerary planning, infrastructure improvements, guest experience enhancements, and sustainability efforts—all aimed at expanding cruise offerings and increasing calls to St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Cruise tourism to the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to grow, with passenger arrivals reaching 1.7 million in 2024—up 90,000 from the previous year. Projections indicate 1.8 million arrivals in 2025 and 1.9 million in 2026. St. Thomas and St. John led the way with 542,071 passengers at Crown Bay and 983,862 at WICO, while St. Croix welcomed 169,228 at the AAMF port. The Department of Tourism remains focused on sustaining this momentum through strategic planning and strong industry partnerships. 'Seatrade Cruise Global provides an unmatched platform for dialogue with our cruise partners,' said Commissioner Boschulte. 'We came to the table with a clear vision for growth and innovation in cruise tourism, and the interest and enthusiasm from our partners have been extremely encouraging.' In addition to leadership meetings, the Department of Tourism team was active on the tradeshow floor, where they conducted dozens of industry engagements and introduced attendees to the authentic spirit of the USVI. The USVI booth became a standout attraction, buzzing with cultural energy thanks to live performances from steel pan musicians, moko jumbies, and traditional dancers. Staff also distributed branded giveaways that kept the USVI top of mind for potential visitors and industry representatives alike. The USVI's presence at Seatrade underscored its commitment to balancing economic development with cultural integrity. From infrastructure investment to community-based tourism experiences, the territory is focused on delivering a cruise product that is both competitive and uniquely Virgin Islands. 'We're not just selling a destination—we're sharing our story,' adds Commissioner Boschulte. 'Our islands offer unmatched beauty, but it's our people, culture, and authenticity that truly make us a world-class destination for cruise travelers.' With momentum from Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the USVI is poised for continued growth in cruise tourism, fueled by cross-industry thought strategy, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For more information on visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands and experiencing these award-winning beaches, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands 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 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. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us @VisitUSVI on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest, and @USVITourism on TikTok, X and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
