U.S. Virgin Islands strengthens marine tourism

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has big plans to cement its status as a leading Caribbean destination for marine tourism.

During the recent St. Thomas Yacht Club Invitational Regatta, Joseph Boschulte, USVI Commissioner of Tourism, said the department’s focus on welcoming mariners throughout the Covid-19 pandemic has been positive for the destination.

"Despite numerous pandemic-related challenges, we have leveraged the talent and creativity of our team to sharpen our focus on our incredible marine and charter yacht industry," said Commissioner Boschulte.

 He said the Territory had already begun to strengthen its marine tourism offerings when the pandemic provided additional opportunities to tap into the charter yacht industry.

In 2019, the direct contribution to the U.S. Virgin Islands economy made by charter and sport-fishing vessels was estimated at about $45 million.

"We forecast the 2020-2021 numbers to show significant growth due to the large number of visiting vessels," he said.

This past winter season saw the introduction of The Moorings, a premier global yacht charter company on St. Thomas.

The Department of Tourism will continue to support events such as fishing tournaments, the Virgin Islands Charter Yacht Show and the annual St. Thomas International Regatta.

It has a well-established media hospitality program, which attracts national media to experience and cover the destination’s marine offerings. ‘‹

The Department of Tourism has a designated webpage that showcases marine tourism.

Upcoming events include the International Optimist Regatta (June 14 to 20, 2021’‹), the Virgin Islands Charter Yacht Show (November 7 to 10, 2021), and the inaugural Caribbean Charter Yacht Show at Yacht Haven Grande – St. Thomas (December 9-12, 2021).

The Department of Tourism is also collaborating with the Office of the Governor to create a St. Croix-specific marine program, with its own dedicated marketing platform.