U.S. Virgin Islands Steal the Spotlight as St. Thomas and St. John Earn Top Travel Honours

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are strengthening their position as a leading Caribbean holiday destination after receiving two significant travel industry honours ahead of 2027. St. Thomas and St. John have earned ninth place on Fora’s 2027 Hot List, while the territory has also been recognised as the Best Caribbean Cruise Destination in Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Together, these distinctions highlight the islands’ growing appeal among holidaymakers seeking tropical escapes, luxury accommodation, memorable cruise experiences and natural beauty.

St. Thomas and St. John Secure a Place Among 2027’s Most Promising Destinations

The latest recognition from Fora places St. Thomas and St. John among the destinations expected to attract considerable traveller interest in 2027. Now in its fifth edition, Fora’s annual Hot List identifies emerging travel preferences and destinations gaining popularity among its network of travel advisers and their clients.

The ninth-place ranking reflects the islands’ combination of scenic coastlines, clear Caribbean waters, attractive resorts and varied holiday experiences. For American visitors, the added convenience of travelling to the USVI without a passport makes the destination particularly accessible.

Caribbean Cruise Recognition Strengthens the Islands’ Tourism Reputation

The U.S. Virgin Islands have also secured a major distinction in the cruise tourism sector. Their selection as Best Caribbean Cruise Destination in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards from Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine reinforces the territory’s popularity among cruise passengers.

The award highlights the enduring attraction of the islands as a Caribbean port destination, where visitors can combine coastal sightseeing, shopping, beach activities and island exploration.

For the wider tourism industry, this recognition adds to the USVI’s profile in a competitive regional market, where destinations continue to attract visitors through distinctive experiences and convenient travel connections.

Two Islands Offer Distinctive Caribbean Holiday Experiences

A major strength of the U.S. Virgin Islands lies in the contrasting experiences available across St. Thomas and St. John.

St. Thomas offers an energetic holiday atmosphere, with waterfront restaurants, resort accommodation, sailing opportunities and a lively visitor scene. Its established tourism infrastructure makes it attractive to travellers seeking comfort, recreation and convenient access to Caribbean attractions.

Neighbouring St. John provides a quieter alternative, characterised by beautiful beaches, green hills and extensive protected natural areas. Its peaceful surroundings appeal to visitors interested in outdoor exploration, relaxation and nature-focused holidays.

Together, the two islands offer travellers the opportunity to enjoy both vibrant resort experiences and peaceful coastal retreats within the same Caribbean destination.

International Recognition Creates Fresh Opportunities for USVI Tourism in 2027

The combination of Fora’s destination ranking and the cruise industry award provides the U.S. Virgin Islands with a positive platform as the tourism sector looks towards 2027.

The recognition reflects interest in destinations that combine natural attractions, quality accommodation and varied visitor experiences. It also demonstrates how the territory appeals to different travel segments, including cruise passengers, leisure holidaymakers, couples and families.

With St. Thomas offering an active tourism environment and St. John providing a more relaxed island experience, the U.S. Virgin Islands enter 2027 with renewed visibility in the Caribbean travel market.

These latest honours reinforce the destination’s established strengths while creating further opportunities to attract travellers seeking memorable island holidays.

“We are honored and excited to see the territory recognized by both Fora and Porthole, reflecting the destination’s continued interest among travelers and industry professionals,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Our diverse experiences across all three islands, growing portfolio of accommodations, rich cultural offerings and convenient accessibility for U.S. travelers, continue to set the territory apart as a premier Caribbean destination. These recognitions underscore the strength of our tourism industry and the exciting opportunities ahead as we continue to welcome visitors from around the world.” 

U.S. Virgin Islands Strengthen Luxury Tourism Appeal with New Resorts, Cruise Recognition and Expanded Air Connections

The U.S. Virgin Islands are strengthening their reputation as a leading Caribbean holiday destination, with an expanding collection of luxury resorts, improved air connectivity and growing recognition from the international travel industry. Fora’s latest travel report highlights several hospitality developments that are helping St. Thomas and St. John attract visitors seeking exclusive island experiences.

Among the standout properties is Lovango Resort & Beach Club, a secluded private-island retreat near St. John. Awarded Two Michelin Keys, the resort combines high-end accommodation with an emphasis on environmentally responsible hospitality. Its location also provides convenient access to St. Thomas, allowing guests to enjoy a peaceful island setting without sacrificing connections to the territory’s main tourism centres. Fora’s recognition of Lovango reflects increasing interest in accommodation that combines luxury, privacy and sustainability.

Another major attraction is Frenchman’s Reef, a prominent hospitality development on St. Thomas that underwent an extensive transformation before reopening in 2023. The destination now accommodates The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa and Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas, offering visitors different styles of upscale Caribbean accommodation.

The territory’s luxury hospitality sector is also preparing for further expansion. The Botany, a boutique resort planned for St. Thomas, is expected to welcome its first guests in 2027. Designed with only 20 villas spread across approximately 300 acres, the development aims to provide an exclusive experience centred on spacious surroundings, natural beauty and privacy.

The islands’ appeal extends well beyond their luxury hotels. The 2026 Porthole Cruise and Travel Readers’ Choice Awards have recognised the U.S. Virgin Islands as a leading Caribbean cruise destination. These annual honours reflect votes submitted by thousands of readers of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine and participants through Porthole.com. The awards celebrate popular cruise operators, vessels and destinations, with the 2026 results appearing in the publication’s November–December edition and on its digital platform.

Improved flight connections are providing another opportunity for tourism growth. Seasonal Delta Air Lines services from Boston, alongside Southwest Airlines routes connecting Orlando and Baltimore with the territory, are expected to make the islands more accessible to travellers from important US markets.

Meanwhile, St. Thomas remains a significant gateway for luxury yacht holidays, welcoming visitors embarking on private sailing journeys and serving as a stop along Caribbean cruising itineraries.

With its sheltered beaches, distinctive resorts, sailing opportunities and developing food scene, the U.S. Virgin Islands continue to offer experiences suited to different travel preferences. Recognition from Fora and Porthole Cruise and Travel adds further visibility to the destination as it prepares for another year of hospitality development and tourism opportunities in 2027.

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