The USVI group was led by D.O.T. Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman, and Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington.

The convention commenced with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Affiliation (FCCA) barbecue, sponsored by the Division of Tourism and hosted by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. The USVI delegation, comprising leaders from the Virgin Islands Legislature, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, West Indian Firm Restricted, Magens Bay Authority, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Authorities Worker Retirement System, offered the territory as a premier vacation spot within the Caribbean.

Mr. Boschulte shared the strategic significance of the cruise sector to the USVI, noting, “Cruise has been and continues to be a number one entryway for guests into the territory, and Seatrade permits representatives from the USVI to interface with and share pertinent updates wanted to proceed fostering constructive relationships all through the business.”

Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte and Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington at Seatrade 2024.

Throughout the convention, the tourism commissioner was featured on the Caribbean Highlight panel. The panel was moderated by Michelle Paige, CEO of FCCA, who highlighted Mr. Boschulte’s current recognition because the 2023 Caribbean Tourism Govt of the 12 months by Caribbean Journal.

Paige cited the journal, stating, “No Caribbean vacation spot has seen extra development within the final three years than the U.S. Virgin Islands, which kicked off a full-fledged tourism renaissance simply after the onset of the pandemic and hasn’t appeared again. And a lot of that development could be straight tied to the professional stewardship of Boschulte, who helped craft an revolutionary, versatile response to the challenges of the pandemic and has continued to drive the USVI’s efficiency with a data-driven, inventive strategy to fashionable tourism.”

The delegation additionally engaged in strategic discussions with executives from main cruise traces equivalent to Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Company & plc, specializing in ongoing partnerships and alternatives for growth.

Highlighting the spectacular restoration and development of the cruise sector, Mr. Boschulte famous that St. Thomas and St. Croix noticed a 13% enhance in guests in 2023 in comparison with 2019, with greater than 1,600,000 passengers from 495 ship calls. This upward development is anticipated to proceed, with a projected 5% enhance in cruise passenger arrivals in 2024.

“I’m proud to see the Caribbean’s enchantment proceed to captivate vacationers. Our collaborative efforts with companions like FCCA and the Caribbean Tourism Group underscore the unity of our area, making certain unforgettable experiences for guests whereas highlighting the distinctive strengths of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a secure, welcoming vacation spot and a shared dedication to tourism, we embrace our function as an integral a part of the Caribbean group,” Boschulte said.