Small businesses and individuals who rely on cruise tourism can expect a high volume of visitors this summer.
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer, said that, confirmed bookings for 2026 indicate that the Virgin Islands will receive a record 52 cruise calls during the summer period.
“Bringing an estimated 165,700 passengers to our shores. This marks a significant milestone for the Territory and reflects the results of our continued engagement with cruise partners over the years,” he said, noting that usually this period would be very slow.
However, the minister said this trend is changing due to the work put in by the BVI delegation at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference held last month.
“We again advocated strongly for increased summer calls, highlighting the Virgin Islands held direct discussions with several major cruise line partners and strongly advocated for increased calls, highlighting the readiness of our ports, the strength of our tourism product, and the importance of year-round visitor arrivals,” he noted.
Minister Rymer believes that this increase in summer calls will provide an important boost to taxi operators, tour providers, restaurants, retailers and many other local businesses, “It will also help create greater economic stability and support employment during what has traditionally been a slower season.”
Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer, said that, confirmed bookings for 2026 indicate that the Virgin Islands will receive a record 52 cruise calls during the summer period.
“Bringing an estimated 165,700 passengers to our shores. This marks a significant milestone for the Territory and reflects the results of our continued engagement with cruise partners over the years,” he said, noting that usually this period would be very slow.
However, the minister said this trend is changing due to the work put in by the BVI delegation at the Seatrade Cruise Global Conference held last month.
“We again advocated strongly for increased summer calls, highlighting the Virgin Islands held direct discussions with several major cruise line partners and strongly advocated for increased calls, highlighting the readiness of our ports, the strength of our tourism product, and the importance of year-round visitor arrivals,” he noted.
Minister Rymer believes that this increase in summer calls will provide an important boost to taxi operators, tour providers, restaurants, retailers and many other local businesses, “It will also help create greater economic stability and support employment during what has traditionally been a slower season.”
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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