The British Virgin Islands Is Off to a Strong Tourism Start in 2025
The British Virgin Islands recorded a 6.4 percent increase in stayover arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, signaling a strong start to the year for one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. That was among the fastest stayover growth rates for any destination in the broader region.
From January through March, the BVI welcomed 106,750 stayover visitors, according to new data provided by the Caribbean Tourism Organization to Caribbean Journal. That’s up from 100,296 stayover arrivals during the same period in 2024 — a continuation of the upward trajectory the destination began last year.
The first quarter performance reflects the growing demand for overnight travel to the territory, long celebrated for its sailing, yachting, boutique resorts, and quiet coastal charm.
A Momentum-Carrying Quarter
The early-year growth follows a year of steady momentum for the British Virgin Islands in 2024, when the territory made significant gains in airlift and visitor arrivals. The current pace in 2025 positions the BVI to surpass pre-pandemic levels of overnight tourism if the trend continues.
While complete numbers for cruise and day visitors in the first quarter have not yet been released, the uptick in overnight guests is particularly significant for the territory’s hotel and villa sector — a key driver of economic impact across the islands.
Destination Demand
The BVI’s tourism performance is underpinned by its continued appeal among high-value travelers seeking off-the-radar Caribbean experiences. Popular islands like Virgin Gorda and Tortola have reported strong winter occupancy, while resorts such as Rosewood, Saba Rock, Oil Nut Bay, and the transformed Bitter End Yacht Club continue to anchor the territory’s luxury offering — along with the revived Peter Island resort, which is better than ever.
Recent boosts in inter-Caribbean connectivity and new service from regional carriers have also supported the rise in arrivals, along with sustained interest in yacht charters and sailing vacations — long the signature of BVI travel.
Looking Ahead
The hope is to build on the early 2025 performance through the summer and fall, particularly by strengthening partnerships with travel advisor and showcasing the destination’s blend of adventure and seclusion.
If the first quarter numbers are any indication, 2025 could become one of the strongest tourism years for the British Virgin Islands in nearly a decade — a reflection of both resilience and refined positioning in the Caribbean travel landscape.
