US Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte is working with the destination’s aviation partners to maintain “vital aerial links,” following the implementation of a one-month pause of leisure tourism. 

Even though the territory is currently in a “stay-at-home” phase, airlift connectivity “remains critical for travel to and from the Territory as residents, business travelers, flight crews, emergency personnel, and government guests with written authorization from the relevant government agency, are still permitted to travel,” he said. 

“We are hoping for another swift and seamless reopening to leisure visitors provided we can flatten the current curve,” said Commissioner Boschulte, adding that observing strict protocols, such as wearing masks and physical distancing, was critical in containing the community spread of COVID-19.

“We must work together to avoid further shutdowns, which will help to restart economic activity and generate important revenues and income for our government and our residents,” Boschulte said.

The Commissioner said that, amid the temporary lockdown, the department was channeling efforts to review fall and winter schedules to and from the USVI. 

“We are blessed to work with some wonderful partners, who at a difficult time for us, continue to transport passengers to and from our islands and maintain critically important links to the U.S. mainland,” he said.

— CJ