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Many of the beautiful island countries that make up the Caribbean have experienced a real tourism boom so far this winter.
A recent report shows that several countries in this beautiful part of the world are reporting double-digit growth by the end of 2023 and are becoming extremely popular as winter sun destinations.
But one archipelago in particular is really leaving its mark on travelers’ minds this year.
The US Virgin Islands
Tourist visitor numbers for the fourth quarter of 2023 have increased almost 40% compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest information from the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
What is driving this increase, other than the fact that this country is very safe and most people have an idea of paradise?
Let’s take a closer look:
Sun, sea, sand and culture
The US Virgin Islands consists of three main islands – St Croix, St Thomas and St John – and lies just off the east coast of Puerto Rico, with the British Virgin Islands on the other side.
St. Croix has a fascinating history, as it was previously colonial territory of England, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Malta and even Denmark.
The latter gives the name to the island’s largest town – Christiansted – and it is a beautiful place with colorful buildings, ancient forts and quaint cobbled streets.
In addition to its colonial history, St Croix has a host of beautiful beaches, such as Rainbow Beach and Cane Bay Beach, as well as great nightlife and casinos.
St Thomas is home to some of the best restaurants in the US Virgin Islands, with fantastic seafood restaurants and local eateries run by friendly people.
This island has its own fascinating history and is home to the 17th century Danish-Norwegian fortress Fort Christian.
Not to be outdone, St John is widely regarded as a premier snorkeling and diving location in the Caribbean.
It is also home to the incredible Virgin Islands National Park, which covers 5,500 hectares and is packed with hiking trails and jungle experiences.
The availability of air travel is improving
Americans can already fly to the U.S. Virgin Islands from many different cities, but the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism says seat capacity from the mainland has increased by 23% to the island of St. Croix and 21% to St. Thomas .
The tourism board is working hard to continue increasing flight options, stating, “Our focus is on adding flights to St. Croix from the United States, Canada and Europe.”
Flight options to Cyril E. King Airport, St Thomas
- New York, Boston, Miami, San Juan (American Airlines)
- Atlanta and New York JFK (Delta Air Lines)
- Boston (JetBlue)
- Fort Lauderdale (Spirit Airlines)
- Chicago, Washington Dulles, Newark (United Airlines)
Flight options to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St Croix
- Miami, San Juan (American Airlines)
- Atlanta (Delta Air Lines)
Award-winning in many ways
The sun-drenched destinations on these beautiful islands have received international recognition this year.
The island of St. Thomas was recently named “Innovation Destination of the Year” by Caribbean Journal, while the Westin Beach Resort and Spa was named “Best New Caribbean Hotel of the Year.”
Meanwhile, Trunk Bay on St Thomas was named one of the world’s best beaches and also featured on Conde Nast’s Best Places To Go In 2023 list.
A great cruise stop
The tourism board has also worked closely with cruise companies to expand the options for visits via this mode of travel.
It recently partnered with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association to help with this.
Predictions are that cruise passenger traffic could grow by as much as 80% by 2024.
Easy for Americans to visit
For American travelers, a visit to the US Virgin Islands is essentially the same as a domestic trip because it is an official territory of the United States.
If you fly from the US mainland or Puerto Rico, you don’t even need a passport to enter these islands and can enjoy other benefits such as online check-in and no visa required.
It’s just a small detail, but one that can really help make traveling that little bit smoother and more fun.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
