Why USVI Travel Demand Is on an “Upward Trend”

Travel demand for the US Virgin Islands continues on an “upward trend,” officials say, buoyed by state-of-the-art technology that’s helping to ensure the safety of the territory and its visitors.

USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte says much fo the destination’s success in attracting visitors comes from its Travel Screening Portal, a prescreening portal required to be used by travelers to the USVI aged 5 and older. 

“The Travel Screening Portal has been a game-changer for us as it has given us the technological capability to prescreen and certify travelers before they arrive in the Territory, enhancing our ability to ensure that visitors and residents are as protected as possible from COVID-19 infection,” Boschulte said. 

The USVI Department of Tourism is actually preparing for the launch of version “2.0” of the portal, which will include significant upgrades such as a hybrid mobile application that supports Android and iOS platforms for a faster mobile experience and QR code generation functionality that allows the system to generate automated emails to travelers, the Department of Tourism said. 

The current Travel Portal has already processed almost 25,000 travelers, with a system that walks travelers through each step of the submission system. 

“The Department of Tourism is continuously balancing the need to promote safe and healthy travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, while employing and deploying new and innovative technologies to carry out essential prescreening of all travelers,” Boschulte said. “The health of everyone in the Territory remains our highest priority,” noted the Commissioner, who lauded the strong communications, marketing and public relations efforts that are continuing to keep the U.S. Virgin Islands “top of mind” with travelers not only from the mainland United States, but around the world.”

The Commissioner said recent flight capacity reports, occupancy figures, and demand indicators for both traditional and sharing economy properties show positive signs.

“Demand for travel to our islands continues on an upward trend, with inquiries and conversions to bookings encouraging, especially during this typically slow period of travel to the Caribbean,” he said  “We are also pleased with the increased airlift scheduled for the coming months. We believe we have something very special to offer visitors, especially those who are seeking an escape from the pandemic lockdown that has all but crippled travel to many other destinations.”