Latest news with #JosephBoschulte
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
U.S. Virgin Islands Reports Strong Mid-Year Tourism Growth and Global Visibility in 2025
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the halfway point of 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is reporting strong gains across airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global brand visibility. With continued momentum and sustained interest from travelers and industry partners alike, the territory remains one of the most dynamic destinations in the Caribbean. 'We've reached the halfway point of 2025 with exceptional results that reflect the appeal and strength of the U.S. Virgin Islands,' said Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. 'This is a testament to the dedication of the Department of Tourism team and local stakeholders who together remain focused on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and cultural authenticity.' Air service continues to expand, making it easier for travelers to access the territory. New daily nonstop flights from Dallas to St. Thomas are now operating, while additional service from Chicago and Boston is scheduled to begin in December. St. Croix will also gain new nonstop connectivity from Chicago later this year. These new routes come on the heels of record arrivals in 2024. Air arrivals for 2025 are projected to be slightly below 2024's record numbers. Cruise arrivals are also trending upward. St. Thomas/St. John is projected to receive 1,487,753 passengers across 414 ship calls this year, marking a 4 percent increase. St. Croix anticipates 86 calls and more than 208,086 passengers, reinforcing the island's role in the territory's cruise strategy. Hotels and vacation rentals are performing well across the territory. Hotel occupancy has grown 4.3 percent, and hotel tax collections have surpassed 2024 April Year-To-Date (YTD) revenues by 6.7 percent and are 41.0 percent ahead of the same period of fiscal year 2023. Short-term rental revenue is also up, with fiscal year collections tracking nearly 11 percent ahead. The U.S. Virgin Islands now ranks third in the Caribbean for both average daily rate and revenue per available room, each more than 30 percent above the regional average. Signature cultural celebrations continue to be a major draw. The Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Thomas Carnival generated more than $5.6 million in combined earned media value and brought thousands of visitors to experience the music, food, and pageantry of the islands. The upcoming St. John Celebration, taking place June 29 through July 4, is expected to attract visitors from across the region and showcase the vibrant spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands. National marketing efforts continue to elevate the territory's profile across key markets. Strategic partnerships with the LPGA, Chicago Cubs, New York Jets, Boston Red Sox, Klutch Sports Group, Fenway Sports Management 'Way Up with Angela Yee' and I Heart Radio are helping extend USVI visibility. The destination was also featured at the 2025 Dreamville Festival and is preparing for activations at major lifestyle events later this year, including the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, LPGA FM Championship, Angela Yee Day and One Musicfest. Meetings and incentives travel has also gained traction, with more than 17 programs booked during fiscal year 2023–2024, generating nearly 7,000 room nights, $2.7 million in room revenue, and over $330,000 in tax revenue. According to Cvent, St. Thomas is now ranked as the fifth most preferred Caribbean destination for incentive travel, ahead of Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Recent accolades continue to reinforce the U.S. Virgin Islands' standing as a top Caribbean destination. In 2025, Caribbean Journal recognized the territory as both Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year and Event Destination of the Year. St. Croix earned the title of Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year, while local chef David 'Benji' Benjamin was named Caribbean Chef of the Year. The territory also received global praise from Tripadvisor, which ranked Trunk Bay and Magens Bay among the top ten beaches in the world in its Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Virgin Islands Reports Strong Mid-Year Tourism Growth and Global Visibility in 2025
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the halfway point of 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is reporting strong gains across airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global brand visibility. With continued momentum and sustained interest from travelers and industry partners alike, the territory remains one of the most dynamic destinations in the Caribbean. "We've reached the halfway point of 2025 with exceptional results that reflect the appeal and strength of the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. "This is a testament to the dedication of the Department of Tourism team and local stakeholders who together remain focused on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and cultural authenticity." Air service continues to expand, making it easier for travelers to access the territory. New daily nonstop flights from Dallas to St. Thomas are now operating, while additional service from Chicago and Boston is scheduled to begin in December. St. Croix will also gain new nonstop connectivity from Chicago later this year. These new routes come on the heels of record arrivals in 2024. Air arrivals for 2025 are projected to be slightly below 2024's record numbers. Cruise arrivals are also trending upward. St. Thomas/St. John is projected to receive 1,487,753 passengers across 414 ship calls this year, marking a 4 percent increase. St. Croix anticipates 86 calls and more than 208,086 passengers, reinforcing the island's role in the territory's cruise strategy. Hotels and vacation rentals are performing well across the territory. Hotel occupancy has grown 4.3 percent, and hotel tax collections have surpassed 2024 April Year-To-Date (YTD) revenues by 6.7 percent and are 41.0 percent ahead of the same period of fiscal year 2023. Short-term rental revenue is also up, with fiscal year collections tracking nearly 11 percent ahead. The U.S. Virgin Islands now ranks third in the Caribbean for both average daily rate and revenue per available room, each more than 30 percent above the regional average. Signature cultural celebrations continue to be a major draw. The Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Thomas Carnival generated more than $5.6 million in combined earned media value and brought thousands of visitors to experience the music, food, and pageantry of the islands. The upcoming St. John Celebration, taking place June 29 through July 4, is expected to attract visitors from across the region and showcase the vibrant spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands. National marketing efforts continue to elevate the territory's profile across key markets. Strategic partnerships with the LPGA, Chicago Cubs, New York Jets, Boston Red Sox, Klutch Sports Group, Fenway Sports Management "Way Up with Angela Yee" and I Heart Radio are helping extend USVI visibility. The destination was also featured at the 2025 Dreamville Festival and is preparing for activations at major lifestyle events later this year, including the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, LPGA FM Championship, Angela Yee Day and One Musicfest. Meetings and incentives travel has also gained traction, with more than 17 programs booked during fiscal year 2023–2024, generating nearly 7,000 room nights, $2.7 million in room revenue, and over $330,000 in tax revenue. According to Cvent, St. Thomas is now ranked as the fifth most preferred Caribbean destination for incentive travel, ahead of Puerto Rico and Jamaica. Recent accolades continue to reinforce the U.S. Virgin Islands' standing as a top Caribbean destination. In 2025, Caribbean Journal recognized the territory as both Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year and Event Destination of the Year. St. Croix earned the title of Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year, while local chef David "Benji" Benjamin was named Caribbean Chef of the Year. The territory also received global praise from Tripadvisor, which ranked Trunk Bay and Magens Bay among the top ten beaches in the world in its Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook ( View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Announces a Star-Studded Village Night Lineup for St. John Celebration
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals are proud to announce the star-studded lineup for the 2025 St. John Celebration Village Nights, showcasing a dynamic mix of internationally acclaimed artists and rising talent from across the Caribbean. Headlined by global reggae icon Sean Paul, the six-night celebration promises unforgettable performances spanning the full spectrum of Caribbean music, offering both residents and visitors an electrifying cultural experience. "Every year, the festivals team is challenged to make each celebration better than the last. I'm proud to say they've done it again, curating a lineup that is both globally recognized and culturally resonant," said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. The festivities kick off with soca powerhouse Patrice Roberts, setting the tone for a week of music from some of the region's top performers, including Nailah Blackman, GBM Nutron, Asa Bantan, Krosfyah, Bunji Garlin, and Fay-Ann Lyons. Showcasing the richness of the Virgin Islands' music scene, local talent will be front and center from day one. Beloved bands such as Jam Band, VIO Int'l, Spectrum Band, Blind Earz, and RVP Band will deliver both traditional calypso rhythms and modern Bass Rhythm and Melody sound. Meanwhile, artists like Rudy Live and Adam O will bring high-energy soca performances to the stage. Capping off the week, and following the beloved tradition of Celebration fireworks, Virgin Islands stars Pumpa and the award-winning duo R. City will close out Village Nights with electrifying performances that celebrate the territory's musical legacy and cultural pride. For a full schedule of St. John Celebration events, please visit For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook ( View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malaysian Reserve
10-06-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
Celebrating Caribbean Pride: U.S. Virgin Islands Leads with Impact at CTO Week in New York City
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, proudly celebrated a successful week of collaboration, connection, and cultural showcase during the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) annual Caribbean Week in New York City. The week of celebrations kicked off with a high-energy cultural activation at Citi Field during the New York Mets game, where the U.S. Virgin Islands brought vibrant island spirit to a sold-out crowd of 43,224 fans. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies lit up the stadium concourse, delighting attendees with the sights and sounds of the territory. The performance energized the fans and gave thousands of New Yorkers a taste of the USVI's rich cultural heritage, setting the tone for a dynamic Caribbean Week ahead. Held in the heart of Times Square, the four-day Caribbean Week event featured a series of CTO organizational meetings and insight-driven panels highlighting voices from across the Caribbean and the global tourism industry. Commissioner Boschulte helped kick off the week with a powerful welcome address, encouraging deeper regional collaboration and reinforcing the collective economic impact of Caribbean tourism. Following his remarks, Commissioner Boschulte participated in the 'Around the Caribbean in 60 Minutes' panel, joining tourism leaders from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Martin. The panel was moderated by Emmy Award–winning travel journalist Peter Greenberg and focused on regional trends, opportunities, and the shared vision for a stronger Caribbean. 'Each year, the team at CTO curates a meaningful event that brings together the Caribbean's top leaders and changemakers,' said Commissioner Boschulte. 'As a proud member of the CTO, the U.S. Virgin Islands remains committed to deepening cross-regional partnerships that not only enhance our tourism sector but also contribute to the long-term growth of our local economy.' On Tuesday, the U.S. Virgin Islands hosted and sponsored the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, benefitting the CTO Foundation. Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, a member of the foundation's board, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by Commissioner Boschulte's remarks on the importance of investing in the next generation of tourism professionals and regional leaders. Special guests included St. Thomas native Pastor Gilford Montrose, faith advisor to the Mayor of New York City, and iHeart Radio's DJ Whutever, whose roots trace back to both St. Thomas and St. John—underscoring the deep cultural connections between the U.S. Virgin Islands and New York City. The Tri-State area remains the U.S. Virgin Islands' largest source market, making Caribbean Week an essential opportunity to connect directly with travelers, media, and stakeholders from the region. Beyond the official CTO events, the Department of Tourism also sponsored the annual AFAR Happy Hour, hosted by AFAR Media CEO Greg Sullivan and Caribbean Ambassador Barry Brown. Guests were welcomed by USVI cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies before enjoying signature cocktails sponsored by Mutiny Island Vodka in a vibrant, invite-only celebration of Caribbean culture. To cap off the week, the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation brought the spirit of Carnival to Times Square during the first-ever CTO Caribbean Cultural Showcase. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies delighted crowds with an electrifying pop-up performance at the Crossroads of the World, captivating tourists and locals alike. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism remains focused on strengthening regional ties, reflected in the expansion of inter-Caribbean airlift, including recently added routes to St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Dominican Republic and Saint Barthélemy. For more photos from Caribbean Week, click here. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
U.S. Virgin Islands Announces St. John Celebration 2025: Honoring History and Culture
ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Division of Festivals, is proud to announce the 2025 St. John Celebration, will be taking place from June 28 through July 4, 2025 under the vibrant theme: "History and Culture Come Alive for St. John Celebration." This beloved annual festival promises a week of heritage, music, food, and community spirit on the island of St. John. Rooted in tradition and cultural pride, St. John Celebration culminates in a fusion of festivities that honor both Emancipation Day and Independence Day. "This year's theme is a powerful reminder of who we are as a people," said Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. "As we celebrate our heritage, St. John Celebration gives us the opportunity to share our stories, showcase our culture, and warmly welcome visitors to be part of our unique Caribbean experience." Adding to the excitement, the festival's signature events will spotlight local musicians, artisans, dancers, and chefs, offering a cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. "Our goal this year is to deepen the connection between community and culture," said Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals and Events. "From traditional moko jumbies and calypso to modern performances and local cuisine, we're inviting everyone to celebrate what makes St. John and the Virgin Islands so special." St. John Celebration 2025 is open to the public and welcomes attendees from around the world to experience the spirit and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit High-resolution photos from last year's St. John Celebration are available here. About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook ( View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
