AGP Executive Report

Tourism Awards: British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce D. Hodge-Smith was named CTO Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, with Barbados tourism CEO Andrea Franklin also taking a top regional award. Local Governance & Environment: Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser urged residents to tune in to the June 9 State of the Territory Address, highlighting climate change work including the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and updates on Crown Lands and a possible National Parks Trust announcement. Sustainable Tourism Innovation: VI students won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase for a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration with land-based sustainability. Travel Disruption/Family Travel: A lost teddy bear “Bobby” was recovered by American Airlines staff at DFW and reunited with a child traveling to the Virgin Islands—an upbeat reminder for travelers to double-check carry-ons. Safety & Visitor Readiness: VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning of fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping and misuse.

Caribbean Tourism Awards: British Virgin Islands Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith picked up CTO “Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year” honors as CTO also named Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin “Director of Tourism of the Year” during Caribbean Week in New York. Regional Connectivity: Winair launched an interline partnership with Contour Airlines, giving smoother one-itinerary booking across the Caribbean via St. Maarten, including improved access to San Juan for VI travelers. VI Travel & Safety: A man faces federal charges after Customs found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked luggage arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Local Community & Tourism: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring up to $1,000 in fines. BVI Tourism Spotlight: Mary Joseph won BVI’s Junior Ambassador of Tourism title with a social-media strategy aimed at promoting the islands year-round. Sports & Travel Buzz: World Cup 2026 kicks off June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa, with every match set for live U.S. broadcast.

Caribbean Tourism Agenda: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped with fresh momentum for a “One Caribbean” tourism push, as ministers and industry leaders met to talk market resilience and a shift toward cultural and regenerative travel. BVI Tourism & Culture: The BVI launched a poetry and critical essay competition tied to the Long Look 250th Freedom commemoration, inviting community reflection on heritage and legacy. BVI Youth Spotlight: Mary Joseph was named the Virgin Islands’ new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a “TAG” strategy using social media to promote smart, year-round travel. Sustainable Tourism Win: The VI team won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept linking marine restoration and land-based sustainability. Travel Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines announced a new interline partnership, improving one-itinerary connections through St. Maarten to destinations across the region. Cruise Planning: SeaDream unveiled new fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean voyages that include multiple Virgin Islands calls and overnight-focused itineraries. On-the-Ground Ops: The VI Waste Management Authority is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping. Local Travel Disruptions: VIPD set parking and traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE parade and Frederiksted Women’s Race this weekend. Safety & Security: Police issued alerts after armed carjackers used a deceptive “trap” tactic on St. Croix roads, and a St. John driver faces serious charges after a fatal water truck plunge.

New Air Access for USVI: United Airlines will launch a nonstop Newark–St. Croix route starting Oct. 31, 2026, making it the only nonstop link between St. Croix and the NYC area (weekly Saturday service). Tourism Talent Spotlight: BVI’s Mary Joseph was named Junior Ambassador of Tourism after pitching “TAG: Target. Authenticate. Guide,” using social media to promote smart, year-round travel. Sustainable Tourism Win: The VI team won the CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Caribbean Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept tying marine restoration to tourism funding. Local Events & Traffic: VIPD announced parking and traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE Parade (June 6) and Frederiksted Women’s Race (June 7). Waste Enforcement: WMA is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Safety & Crime Alerts: St. John faces serious charges after a fatal water truck plunge; St. Croix police warned of armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic on roads. Aviation/Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to improve one-itinerary connections across the Caribbean via St. Maarten.

New nonstop to St. Croix: United Airlines launches a weekly Newark–St. Croix nonstop starting Oct. 31, 2026—an easier New York-area gateway for USVI travelers. Air travel growth: United also announced four new fall/winter routes, including seasonal Newark–St. Croix service and year-round flights to Mexico’s Chiapas. BVI tourism spotlight: Mary Joseph was named BVI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching “TAG” strategies to promote the islands year-round. Sustainable tourism win: The VI team won CTO’s 2026 Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase with a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept. Local safety & community: VIPD issued alerts on armed carjackers using a “trap” tactic on St. Croix roads, and set parking/traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE and Frederiksted Women’s Race. Environment enforcement: WMA is stepping up enforcement at public bin sites, with fines up to $1,000 for illegal dumping. Cruise planning: SeaDream announced new 2028–2029 Caribbean voyages featuring multiple Virgin Islands calls.

Safety & Crime: St. Croix police warned drivers after armed carjackers used a “trap” tactic in Frangipani—flat tire in the road, victim steps out, then gunmen rush in and steal the vehicle. Local Justice: St. John saw a commercial driver charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated child abuse after a fatal water truck plunge on Centerline Road killed his 6-year-old daughter. Traffic for Visitors: VIPD set parking and traffic restrictions for Christiansted PRIDE (June 6) and Frederiksted Women’s Race (June 7), with no-parking zones and reroutes around key streets. Tourism Talent: Mary Joseph was named VI’s new Junior Ambassador of Tourism, pitching a “TAG” strategy using social media to promote smart, year-round travel. Regional Tourism Wins: The VI team won champions at the 2026 CTO Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase for a “Green & Blue Economy Tourism Hub” concept. Waste & Cleanliness: WMA is increasing enforcement at public bin sites, warning illegal dumping can bring fines up to $1,000. Air Connectivity: United announced a new nonstop St. Croix–Newark route starting Oct. 31, 2026, adding a major one-stop option for New York-area travelers.

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.