Virgin Islands Achieves Record-Breaking Cruise Visitor Numbers in First Quarter

The Virgin Islands celebrated a historic milestone with the highest-ever recorded number of cruise visitors in the first quarter of 2024, totalling 393,605 passengers.

Minister of Communication & Works, Kye Rymer, today, April 18, during a press conference, highlighted this unprecedented number of cruise visitors underscored the significant role of maritime tourism in the economic resurgence of the Virgin Islands.

This achievement marks a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Minister Rymer attributed this surge to strategic engagements and partnerships within the cruise industry, emphasising collaboration between government and private sectors.

“Partnerships are crucial, not only for the government but also for locally owned businesses,” Minister Rymer noted, highlighting success stories like JDS Candy’s, a small Virgin Islands business supplying products to cruise lines.

Reflecting on a recent delegation to the Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 conference in Miami, Minister Rymer emphasised the importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of the BVI’s cruise sector. The delegation, comprising key stakeholders such as the BVI Ports Authority, ECB, Romney Tortola Pier Park, BVI Tourist Board, and local private sector partners, facilitated crucial engagements with industry leaders, fostering relationships and staying abreast of emerging trends.

“Our cruise business is not only integral to our economy but also crucial for tourism and job creation,” Minister Rymer remarked, citing data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlighting the sector’s significant contributions to the hospitality industry and government revenues.

An upcoming Bria study, expected as part of the partnership with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), aims to provide insights into cruise passenger spending patterns, enhancing strategic planning and resource allocation.

Exciting developments on the horizon include the addition of Four Seasons to the cruise portfolio, offering bespoke luxury travel experiences, and the return of MSC Cruise, enriching the destination’s offerings with smaller luxury lines and exploratory journeys.

Looking ahead to the 2024 and 2025 cruise seasons, Minister Rymer projected continued growth and increased calls to ports, emphasising the government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement and visitor experience optimisation.

“As we navigate the evolving landscape of the cruise industry, sustainability and personalised experiences remain paramount,” Minister Rymer concluded, urging continued support for industries and collective efforts towards future prosperity and growth in the Virgin Islands.”