USVI Sets First-Quarter Tourism Record as Visitor Arrivals Climb 12 Percent

The U.S. Virgin Islands continued its tourism growth in the first quarter of 2026, posting record-breaking visitor arrival numbers that the Department of Tourism says reinforce the territory’s momentum as a leading Caribbean destination. According to the department, total arrivals for the first quarter reached 303,388, representing a 12 percent increase year-over-year and a 6 percent rise compared with 2024. The strongest monthly performance came in March, when the territory recorded 121,716 total arrivals. That figure marked a 23 percent increase over the same month in 2025 and stood 14 percent above the previous high set in 2024. St. Thomas drove much of that growth in March, recording 98,284 arrivals. That total was up 24 percent compared with 2025 and 17 percent above 2024. St. Croix also posted gains, welcoming 23,432 arrivals, a 20 percent increase year-over-year and a 5 percent rise over 2024. For the full first quarter, St. Thomas accounted for the majority of the increase,...