The U.S. Virgin Islands is coming off a record-breaking first quarter in terms of visitor arrivals.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced that the first quarter of 2026 saw 303,388 arrivals, marking a 12 percent year-over-year increase and a 6 percent rise compared to 2024.
St. Thomas led the way, with 246,772 arrivals, up 15 percent year-over-year and 11 percent over 2024, while St. Croix reported 56,616 arrivals, up 2 percent compared to 2025.
The strong Q1 concluded with a remarkable March that produced 121,716 total arrivals, signaling an eye-popping 23 percent increase year-over-year and 14 percent higher than the previous record set in 2024.
St. Thomas accounted for 98,284 of those arrivals, while St. Croix followed with 23,432 arrivals.
Tourism officials attribute the growth to continued demand from U.S. travelers and new sports partnerships across the NFL and MLB as well as media collaborations with iHeartRadio and the promotion of Carnival celebrations across the territory.
"These record-breaking numbers underscore the continued strength and appeal of the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier Caribbean destination," Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, said in a statement.
"We are seeing sustained demand across our islands, supported by strategic marketing efforts, strong industry partnerships, and the unique experiences that set the U.S. Virgin Islands apart," she added.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
