AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched a new interline partnership, letting travelers book seamless itineraries through St. Maarten to reach San Juan, St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica on one ticket. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph was named the VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism after winning a BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission competition with her “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide” strategy for social-media-led tourism promotion. Sustainable Tourism Showcase: The Virgin Islands won CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase in New York, pitching a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” focused on linking marine restoration with tourism revenue for conservation. Waste & Cleanliness: The V.I. Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Visitor Planning: VIPD announced parking and traffic restrictions for the Christiansted PRIDE Parade and Frederiksted Women’s Race this weekend. Cruise News: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed new Fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings that include multiple overnight stays in the Virgin Islands and St. Barths. Local Environment Science: NOAA and partners deployed ocean robots from the U.S. Virgin Islands to study hurricanes, including sending vehicles into extreme conditions like hurricane eyewalls.

Air Access Boost for USVI: United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight that finally ends the need for connections for NYC-area travelers. Regional Tourism Networking: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 (June 1–5) brings CTO ministers and officials together, with BVI and USVI among the delegations, as the region pushes “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences.” VI Tourism Planning: The Virgin Islands is set to host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, aiming to align stakeholders on sustainable growth and a validated national tourism policy. Cruise Season News: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed winter 2028 and New Year 2029 sailings with 13 voyages that include multiple Virgin Islands stops and overnight stays in smaller ports. Power & Travel Disruption Watch: WAPA reported a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered outages across St. Thomas and St. John, affecting government operations and businesses. Local Governance & Tourism: BVI political commentary is calling for decentralizing ministries—specifically moving the Ministry of Tourism to Virgin Gorda to spread opportunity and attention.

Tourism Policy & Industry: The Virgin Islands is set to host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, aiming to align stakeholders on “Shaping the Future of Tourism in the Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction,” with regional and international leaders expected. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 (June 1–5) is drawing tourism ministers and officials across the region, including the BVI, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” as leaders push for stronger connectivity and resilience. Local Tourism & Jobs: In the BVI, Labour Department cronyism allegations are being raised over alleged fast-tracked work permits for the yachting sector, with critics saying locals are being sidelined. Travel Access (VI): United Airlines announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026—one weekly flight that could make New York-area travel to the island much easier. Cruise & Sailing: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed winter 2028 and New Year 2029 sailings featuring 13 voyages that include multiple Virgin Islands stops and overnights in St. Barths. Hurricane Research (VI link): NOAA’s uncrewed surface robot program is using data gathered off the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve hurricane forecasting, including plans to study how the new measurements affect intensity predictions.

Air Access Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York-area route to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights Newark (EWR) to Henry E. Rohlsen (STX), a big win for visitors and island businesses. Tourism Planning: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together regional and international leaders to shape sustainable growth and align stakeholders. BVI Governance & Tourism: Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing BVI ministries—suggesting Tourism move to Virgin Gorda and Fisheries/Environment to Anegada—to spread opportunity across the territory. Local Infrastructure Debate: A West End seawall project sparks public pushback over views and road character, with critics calling it “shiggity.” Power & Travel Disruption: WAPA says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages, affecting government operations and businesses. Caribbean Travel Demand: A new report flags the Cayman Islands as a top family destination, with the USVI also showing growth in family travel.

New Direct Air Access: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop NYC-area flight to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026 (Saturdays from Newark to STX), a big boost for visitors and local tourism businesses. Regional Tourism Strategy: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together tourism leaders and stakeholders to shape sustainable growth and investment direction. Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean Week 2026 kicks off June 1 with ministers and industry leaders meeting in Manhattan to strengthen connectivity, resilience, and marketing across the region. BVI Tourism Policy Debate: Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing government services—suggesting moving the Ministry of Tourism to Virgin Gorda and other ministries to sister islands. Infrastructure Watch (BVI): Cox Heath seawall criticism continues as a West End road coastal defense project faces concerns about views and character. Power & Travel Disruption (USVI): WAPA says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered widespread St. Thomas/St. John outages, affecting government operations and businesses. Cruise Updates: Norwegian Viva cancels some San Juan sailings (2028) due to port availability changes, while NCL’s Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay is set to open Sept. 4, 2026.

Territory Power Update: WAPA CEO Karl Knight says St. Thomas and St. John outages were triggered by a failure at the Randolph Harley Power Plant, starting around 6 p.m. Saturday with a “fuel valve error,” leading to cascading technical issues and widespread disruption; government offices and the Legislature were affected, with a key hearing rescheduled. Tourism Leadership & Planning: The Virgin Islands will host a two-day Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together regional and international tourism stakeholders to shape “Shaping the Future of Tourism in the Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction,” with a focus on sustainable growth, resilience, and stakeholder alignment. Air Access Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area service to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026 (Saturdays), a major connectivity win for residents and visitors. Regional Tourism Momentum: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 with CTO-led meetings and events, including Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership, as ministers and commissioners from across the region gather to strengthen connectivity and competitiveness. Family Travel Trend: A new Caribbean Travel Trends report flags the Cayman Islands as the fastest-growing family destination, with the U.S. Virgin Islands also placing in the top three for family-sized travel growth. Cruise Watch: Norwegian Viva cancels select San Juan sailings (Jan–July 2028) due to port availability changes, affecting travelers planning Southern Caribbean trips.

VI Tourism Leadership: The Virgin Islands will host a Tourism Summit June 10–11 at Peter Island Resort, bringing together tourism stakeholders, investors, policymakers and creatives to shape the future of tourism under the theme “Shaping the Future of Tourism in The Virgin Islands: Partnership, Investment & Direction.” Caribbean Week Buzz: Caribbean tourism ministers and leaders are in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 (June 1–5), with the CTO convening the region under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” including participation from the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands. Air Access for Island Visitors: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop NYC-area service to St. Croix starting Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights from Newark to STX—adding a major new gateway for residents and travelers. Power & Disruption Watch: WAPA CEO Karl Knight says a Randolph Harley Power Plant failure triggered St. Thomas/St. John outages that disrupted government operations and businesses, with restoration issues addressed after the weekend. Cruise Fun Update: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with advance day-pass sales and cabana options for guests. Local Tourism Talent: BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission will hold the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with students competing for a chance to represent the VI at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.

Cruise & Island Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will open Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes on sale starting today and optional private cabanas for up to six guests. Travel Advisories: The U.S. State Department updated its Caribbean travel advisory list, with most popular islands at Level 1–2 but some destinations flagged higher due to crime, unrest, or other risks. Aviation & Connectivity: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors meet in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional session, with officials stressing aviation as the lifeline for small island tourism economies. New Routes to the VI: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop Newark–St. Croix service this fall (starting Oct. 31), adding another direct gateway for U.S. travelers. Caribbean Week in New York: CTO’s Caribbean Week kicks off June 1 in Manhattan under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with regional tourism leaders, including VI representation, lining up strategy sessions and marketing talks. BVI Tourism Youth: The BVITBFC names 10 students for the June 4 Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition, sending the winner to the CTO youth congress in Guyana. BVI Infrastructure: BVI’s West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment faces delays after bids came in well above budget, forcing redesigns.

Airlift & Tourism Growth: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall (starting Oct. 31), giving U.S. travelers a faster gateway into the U.S. Virgin Islands during peak season. Regional Aviation Talks: ICAO’s top civil aviation directors are meeting in Antigua for the 14th NACC regional session, with safety, security, sustainability and cooperation on the agenda. Caribbean Week in New York: The CTO kicks off Caribbean Week 2026 today under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with strong ministerial participation including the USVI’s Governor Albert Bryan Jr., plus a keynote from airline analyst Henry Harteveldt. BVI Infrastructure Watch: BVI Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer says delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Cruise & Islands: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two major cruise calls (Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond) bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew during the off-season. Youth Tourism: BVI is set to crown its 2026 Junior Ambassador of Tourism finalists on June 4, sending the winner to the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.

Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region are set to gather in Manhattan starting June 1 for Caribbean Week in New York 2026, themed “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with BVI and USVI leaders among the delegation and Governor Albert Bryan Jr. delivering opening remarks. Caribbean Marketing Conference: Henry H. Harteveldt will keynote the June 3 conference on airline trends and what they mean for Caribbean airlift, as CTO sessions focus on partnerships, branding, and measurable marketing. BVI Tourism Spotlight: Miss BVI 2026 contestants were revealed ahead of the Aug. 2 pageant, and the VI Junior Ambassador of Tourism competition is scheduled for June 4 with students set to represent the territory at a CTO youth congress. Youth Tourism Showcase: BVI students advanced to the CTO’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase “Live Finals” on June 4 in New York, pitching investment-ready, sustainable tourism proposals. Aviation & Connectivity Watch: A regional aviation commentary points to new interline moves and shifting market focus as carriers realign around emerging hubs—relevant for travelers planning routes through the Eastern Caribbean. Cruise & Safety Notes: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed major cruise arrivals totaling 14,000+ passengers and crew, while authorities continue a search for a missing cruise hiker in the Mount Liamuiga area. Beach Buzz: Anguilla’s Shoal Bay East was named No. 1 in North America, with judges praising its calm, crystal-clear waters and powdery sand—another win for the wider Caribbean travel draw.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week returns to New York on June 1 with CTO-led meetings and workshops, featuring BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., plus a “60 Minutes” session and a Caribbean Marketing Conference keynote by airline analyst Henry Harteveldt. BVI Tourism Talent: Miss BVI 2026 contestants were revealed for the Aug. 2 pageant at Festival Village, with an $80,000 four-year scholarship reinstated as the top prize. Youth Tourism Spotlight: Ten students will compete June 4 for the Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism title, with the winner representing the territory at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Cruise & Island Activity: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available from today. Local Aviation Update: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt Menal says he resigned and gave three months’ notice before leaving, citing work to boost air connectivity and passenger growth. Tourism Safety Watch: Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis continue a search for a cruise guest missing after hiking in Mount Liamuiga.

Caribbean Week in New York: The CTO says Caribbean Week returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and USVI Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. leading a regional tourism delegation for a week of meetings on marketing, airlift, sustainability, and next-gen tourism. BVI Tourism Youth Spotlight: Ten students will vie for Virgin Islands Junior Ambassador of Tourism on June 4 at Maria’s by the Sea, with the winner representing the VI at the Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana. Miss BVI 2026 Set: Three contestants were introduced for the Aug. 2 Miss BVI pageant at Festival Village, with a reinstated $80,000 four-year scholarship and a new 2027 Haval Jolion prize. BVIAA Leadership Update: Former BVIAA Managing Director Kurt A.G. Menal says he resigned and gave three months’ notice, with the board paying in lieu, citing work on improving air connectivity. Cruise & Safety Watch: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two cruise ships with 14,000 passengers during the off-season, while authorities also continue searching for a missing cruise hiker in the Mount Liamuiga area. St. John Celebration Dates: USVI announced St. John Celebration 2026 runs June 14–July 4, featuring steel pan nights, village events, parades, boat races, and fireworks.

Cruise & Safety: Coast Guard and Homeland Security teams in San Juan Harbor intercepted an inbound barge and removed eight stowaways (four Chinese, four Dominican Republic nationals), transferring them to CBP for processing. Cruise Demand: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two cruise ships—Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond—bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew to Port Zante during the off-season. Search & Rescue: Authorities are still searching for a Chinese cruise guest missing after going hiking alone in Mount Liamuiga, with contact lost after an emergency call. BVI Aviation & Tourism: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt Menal says he resigned and gave three months’ notice before leaving, citing work to boost air connectivity and passenger growth. Local Governance (BVI): Premier Natalio Wheatley called the current Virgin Islands governance arrangement “abnormal,” pushing for more constitutional authority and elected control over Cabinet and public service. USVI Events: The U.S. Virgin Islands announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates (June 14–July 4) with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Tourism Industry (CTO): CTO named finalists for the 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase at Caribbean Week in New York (June 4), including BVI student teams. Marine Tourism: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas sought an extension of EDC tax benefits while outlining major marina upgrades.

Cruise & Visitor Flow: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed two major cruise calls at Port Zante on May 28—Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Celebrity Beyond—bringing more than 14,000 passengers and crew during the off-season, a boost for the destination’s growing cruise profile. Tourism Talent: The CTO’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase finals are set for June 4 in New York, with BVI students among the finalists presenting investment-ready, sustainable tourism proposals during Caribbean Week. BVI Aviation & Governance: BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser both criticized the territory’s constitutional limits in talks with the UK, pointing to stalled airport runway expansion as a key example of restricted control. USVI Events: The US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 dates—June 14 to July 4—with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Marine Tourism: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits, but the request was paused pending more details as the operator outlined major upgrades. Cruise Add-On: Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available for guests sailing on/after that date.

CTO Youth Tourism: British Virgin Islands students have advanced to the finals of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, with “Live Finals” set for June 4 at InterContinental New York Times Square during Caribbean Week in New York. Cruise & Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes on sale starting May 28 and advance booking plus private cabanas. Regional Tourism Leadership: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a high-level Caribbean tourism delegation. BVI Governance & Tourism: BVI Premier Wheatley calls the territory’s current constitutional setup “abnormal,” arguing for more elected control over Cabinet, public service, and security as UK talks continue. VI Tourism Calendar: The U.S. Virgin Islands announces St. John Celebration 2026 dates—June 14 to July 4—featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, boat races, and fireworks. Trade Education Funding: The V.I. Board of Career and Technical Education moves to create an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit to fund trade students’ classroom supplies and competition travel.

Cruise & Attractions: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 as the grand opening date for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with advance day passes starting May 28 and options like private cabanas for up to six guests. BVI Aviation & Tourism Governance: Former BVIAA managing director Kurt A.G. Menal said his resignation was for “personal and professional wellbeing,” while BVI Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Julian Fraser continued pushing for constitutional changes that would give elected leaders more control over areas like airport expansion. USVI Culture & Travel Planning: The U.S. Virgin Islands announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates—June 14 to July 4—featuring steel pan nights, village events, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Regional Tourism Spotlight: The Virgin Islands is named a finalist for the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase, with VI students pitching sustainable tourism proposals during Caribbean Week in New York on June 4. St. Croix Heritage: A community stewardship project restored the historic Estate Grove Baobab Tree site, adding interpretive signage and new benches. Health & Travel Safety: A new report highlights a sharp jump in U.S. dengue cases in 2024, with most linked to international travel, including Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.