USVI Tourism Statistics & Main Street Retail Outlook: St. Thomas Market Analysis
Written by the Team at Fifteenand9Main
The US Virgin Islands set new tourism records in 2024 — this page highlights arrivals, economic impact, and strategies driving growth.
Why 2024 Matters
Tourism in St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John surged to unprecedented levels in 2024. From record airline arrivals to nearly 1.8 million cruise passengers, the Territory cemented its place as a top Caribbean destination.
St. Thomas Tourism Statistics
In 2024, total airline arrivals at Cyril E. King Airport (St. Thomas) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (St. Croix) reached 932,265 passengers. The Territory also welcomed 1,770,922 cruise passengers — a 9.8 percent increase over 2023.
15 Dronningens Gade: A Case Study in Positioning
That volume of foot traffic flows directly past the ground floor of 15 Dronningens Gade — one of Main Street's most prominent addresses in the heart of Charlotte Amalie's Historic District. Fifteenand9Main is restoring the building specifically to capture this demand, with retail space designed for businesses ready to serve both the year-round community and the 1.77 million cruise visitors arriving annually.
For operators evaluating the St. Thomas business environment, this building represents the most direct intersection of historic location, restored infrastructure, and proven visitor traffic.
Unique Appeal of the US Virgin Islands
With its world-class beaches, deep harbors ideal for cruise ships, snorkeling, diving, and nearly perfect weather, overseeing tourism here is like coaching Michael Jordan or, more aptly, Tim Duncan or Aliyah Boston — hard to fail once the fundamentals are in place.
Capturing Cruise Traffic on Main Street
With 1.77 million cruise passengers disembarking steps from Charlotte Amalie's Historic District, the opportunity for street-level retail has never been stronger. The challenge for operators has historically been finding restored, code-compliant space in the right location — not demand.
The ground-floor retail spaces at 15 Dronningens Gade are being developed specifically for St. Thomas retail space positioned to capture this foot traffic — shops, services, and creative ventures that give visitors a reason to leave the waterfront and explore Main Street.
Commissioner Boschulte's Strategies
Commissioner Boschulte's team advanced multiple initiatives to sustain growth. The official tourism site functions as a well-orchestrated system that keeps demand high and information current.
The site's domain authority score of 60 (Moz) ranks among top Caribbean destinations, supported by backlinks from Wikipedia, CNN, and Yahoo, plus thousands of referrals from travel media and blogs — a signal of trust that drives visibility.
Infrastructure, Growth, and Urban Living in the District
Record tourism doesn't just create retail opportunity — it drives demand for housing in the Historic District itself. As Charlotte Amalie attracts more year-round workers, entrepreneurs, and remote professionals drawn by the territory's unique tax environment and quality of life, the shortage of restored residential space in the district has become acute.
The second building is being converted into apartments that put residents at the center of the island's most active commercial and cultural corridor — walkable to the harbor, Main Street, and the waterfront, with modern systems including rooftop solar built into a preserved historic structure.
USVI Partnership with Miles Partnership
The Department of Tourism collaborates with Miles Partnership, a travel-marketing firm. The program allows local businesses to display their Google Business Profile listings directly on the official site, raising discoverability for shops and tours across the territory.
The partnership includes training sessions, consultations, and an enhanced listing program to boost local visibility.
Google Business Profile helps local businesses appear in the "local three-pack" for nearby services — an integral component of USVI's digital strategy for 2025 and beyond.