AGP Executive Report

Air Access Boost: United Airlines announced the only nonstop New York City–area route to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark (Boeing 737-700). Caribbean Tourism Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1–5 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” bringing together tourism ministers and leaders including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Safety & Security: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in two checked suitcases arriving in St. Thomas from Miami. Family Travel Demand: A new Caribbean travel trends report says the Cayman Islands are the fastest-growing family destination, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the top three for family-sized travel growth. Hurricane Research: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed ocean robots off the U.S. Virgin Islands to study hurricanes, including sending vehicles into extreme conditions. Travel Disruption Watch: Norwegian Viva canceled select San Juan sailings for 2028 due to port availability changes.

Air Access for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area service to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights from Newark to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, a big connectivity boost for USVI visitors and residents. Caribbean Tourism Push in New York: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 at InterContinental Times Square, bringing together tourism ministers and leaders (including USVI) to strengthen regional marketing and resilience under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Regional Flight Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines announced an interline partnership to make it easier to book through St. Maarten, improving access across the Caribbean. Local Travel Disruption (BVI): The West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment in the British Virgin Islands is delayed after bids came in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Safety & Security (USVI): A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked luggage arriving in St. Thomas. Hurricane Research: NOAA deployed uncrewed ocean robots from the USVI to collect hurricane data, including missions aimed at studying eyewalls.

New Air Access for USVI: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between New York/Newark and St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights (Boeing 737-700). Caribbean Tourism Push in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1–5 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing together tourism ministers and leaders—including USVI officials—under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Regional Connectivity Deal: Winair and Contour Airlines announced an interline partnership that lets travelers book through St. Maarten to more Caribbean destinations. Cruise Disruption: Norwegian Viva canceled select 7-night sailings from San Juan (Jan 2, 2028–July 23, 2028) due to port availability changes, with refunds or incentives offered. Local Travel Safety/Enforcement: A man faces federal charges after Customs and Border Protection found hundreds of rounds of ammunition in checked luggage arriving in St. Thomas. Hurricane Research Update: NOAA deployed uncrewed ocean robots off the USVI to study hurricanes, including sending vehicles into hurricane conditions.

New nonstop to St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between the New York City area and St. Croix on Saturdays starting Oct. 31, 2026, using a Boeing 737-700 (126 seats, 12 in business class), giving travelers a direct new gateway to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Caribbean air connectivity boost: Winair and Contour Airlines announced an interline partnership that lets passengers book through itineraries connecting San Juan, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and more across the Caribbean via St. Maarten. Caribbean tourism push in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened June 1–5 with ministers and tourism leaders from across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Hurricane research at sea: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed surface robots off the U.S. Virgin Islands to study hurricanes in extreme conditions, aiming to improve forecasting. Travel planning note: The U.S. State Department’s updated travel advisories list which Caribbean destinations are Level 1 through Level 4, with Haiti still at “do not travel.”

Air Connectivity: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area route to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturdays from Newark to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, using a 737-700 (126 seats, 12 in business). Regional Flights: Winair and Contour Airlines have started an interline partnership that lets travelers book through itineraries connecting San Juan, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and onward across the Caribbean via St. Maarten. Tourism Industry: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off June 1–5 at InterContinental New York Times Square under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with CTO-led meetings bringing together ministers and commissioners including the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Research: NOAA deployed five uncrewed surface vehicles from the U.S. Virgin Islands to study hurricanes in extreme conditions, aiming to improve intensity forecasts. Local Travel Business: Bobby’s Jewelers in downtown Charlotte Amalie highlights its long-running, family-owned shopping experience for visitors. Travel Disruption Watch: Norwegian Viva cancels select 2028 San Juan sailings due to port availability changes, with refunds or incentives offered.

Air Access for USVI: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area route to St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturdays from Newark to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, using a 737-700 (126 seats). Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1–5 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with ministers and tourism leaders from across the region (including the U.S. Virgin Islands) meeting under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Hurricane Research Update: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed surface robots from the U.S. Virgin Islands to collect hurricane data, including missions aimed at sampling eyewall conditions. Travel Planning Watch: The U.S. State Department’s updated travel advisories list varying risk levels across the Caribbean—worth checking before booking. Local/Regional Infrastructure (BVI): In the British Virgin Islands, delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are being blamed on bids coming in over budget. Safety & Security (Puerto Rico): Coast Guard and partners apprehended eight stowaways in San Juan Harbor, underscoring ongoing maritime enforcement in the region.

New nonstop to St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between the New York City area and St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturdays from Newark to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, using a 737-700 (126 seats, 12 in business). Caribbean Week in New York: Tourism leaders from across the region—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—are gathering June 1–5 at InterContinental New York Times Square for Caribbean Week 2026, themed “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” to push connectivity, resilience, and unified marketing. Hurricane research boost: NOAA and partners deployed uncrewed surface robots from the U.S. Virgin Islands to collect real-time hurricane data, including missions aimed at hurricane eyewalls. Local infrastructure (BVI): In the British Virgin Islands, delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are being blamed on bids coming in far above budget, forcing redesigns. Travel safety watch: A roundup of updated U.S. travel advisories highlights which Caribbean destinations are under higher caution levels. Epstein “island” online surge: Fresh DOJ/House releases and renewed online attention keep “Epstein temple” and Little St. James trending, though the stories are largely digital and legal-focused rather than travel-related.

Air Access Boost for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area to St. Croix route, starting Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights between Newark (EWR) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on a Boeing 737-700. Caribbean Tourism Push in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing together tourism ministers and leaders from across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to focus on connectivity, resilience, and marketing. Sustainability & Travel Prep: A new column highlights smarter sun protection for summer travelers, arguing that reusable clothing and shade can reduce reliance on sunscreen while still keeping skin safe. Regional Tourism Context: A Caribbean travel trends report says the Cayman Islands is surging for family travel, with the U.S. Virgin Islands also showing growth—useful backdrop for VI tourism planning. Local Infrastructure Watch (BVI): In the British Virgin Islands, officials say West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment delays are a major setback after bids came in far above budget.

Air Access Boost: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–area route to the U.S. Virgin Islands with weekly Saturday service between Newark (EWR) and St. Croix (STX) starting Oct. 31, 2026—an overdue direct link that could make trips easier for both visitors and island residents. Tourism Industry Spotlight: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing together tourism ministers and leaders from across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, to push connectivity, marketing, and resilience. Sustainable Summer Travel Tips: A new column urges travelers to think beyond liquid sunscreen—using sun-protective clothing and shade first, then choosing sunscreen when needed, with an eye on both skin safety and environmental impact. Local Governance (BVI): Mark Vanterpool argues for decentralizing government services in the British Virgin Islands, including moving tourism-related ministries to sister islands—an idea that could shape how regional tourism development plays out. Travel Safety Watch: A missing-hiker search continues in the Caribbean after a cruise guest disappeared while hiking in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Air Access Boost for St. Croix: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York City-area service to St. Croix, starting Oct. 31, 2026, with weekly Saturday flights from Newark (737-700, 126 seats). Caribbean Week in New York: Caribbean tourism leaders and ministers—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—are gathering in Manhattan for Caribbean Week 2026 (June 1–5) under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with CTO events and a Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner. St. John Celebration Dates Set: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, fireworks, and more. Family Travel Demand Watch: A new Caribbean travel trends report says the Cayman Islands is the fastest-growing family destination, with the U.S. Virgin Islands among the top three for overseas arrivals growth. Cruise Industry Updates: Norwegian Cruise Line says it will open its Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026, and also canceled some Norwegian Viva sailings from San Juan due to port availability changes.

New Air Access for USVI: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between the New York City area and St. Croix on Oct. 31, 2026—weekly Saturday flights from Newark to STX (Boeing 737-700, 126 seats). Caribbean Tourism Push in NYC: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicked off June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square with a “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences” theme, bringing together ministers and commissioners across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. USVI Festival Dates Set: The 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, featuring steel pan nights, J’ouvert, fireworks over Cruz Bay, and more culture-focused events. Local Infrastructure Update: BVI Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer said delays to the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment are a major setback after bids came in far above budget, with redesign work underway. Cruise/Island Fun News: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and cabanas available in advance. Travel Planning Reminder: The State Department’s updated U.S. travel advisories list different Caribbean risk levels—Haiti remains Level 4 “do not travel,” while many islands sit at lower caution levels.

Air Access: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop service between the New York area and St. Croix starting Oct. 31, with weekly Saturday flights from Newark, giving Virgin Islands travelers a faster gateway for winter plans. Cruise Updates: Norwegian Viva has canceled certain San Juan-based sailings (Jan. 2, 2028–July 23, 2028) due to port availability changes, with refunds or incentives offered to affected guests. Caribbean Travel Advisories: The U.S. State Department’s updated advisory list shows most Caribbean destinations at Level 1, while places like Haiti remain at Level 4, shaping how travelers plan Caribbean trips. Local Travel Infrastructure: A major setback hits the West End Ferry Terminal redevelopment as bids came in far above budget, forcing redesign work after delays. St. John Events: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced the 2026 St. John Celebration dates, June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, parades, boat races, and fireworks. Cruise Add-On (Nearby): Norwegian Cruise Line says its Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and private cabanas available in advance.

Air Access: United Airlines will launch the only nonstop New York–St. Croix service this fall, starting Oct. 31 with weekly Saturday flights from Newark—another sign airlines are racing to lock in Caribbean demand. Regional Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off today at InterContinental New York Times Square, with U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. speaking at the opening and CTO leaders driving sessions on marketing, airlift, sustainability, and next-gen tourism. Local Infrastructure: 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 the approved budget, with the ministry redesigning the project. St. John Events: The 2026 St. John Celebration runs June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, fireworks, and a “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix” theme. Cruise Family Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line set Sept. 4, 2026 for opening Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, with day passes and cabanas available for guests starting today. Safety/Weather Info: NOAA’s updated hurricane cone will include inland watches and warnings for clearer preparation across the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 kicks off Monday, June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, bringing tourism ministers and commissioners from across the region—including the U.S. Virgin Islands—for strategy meetings and networking under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Air Connectivity Talk: CTO’s Caribbean Marketing Conference on June 3 features airline analyst Henry Harteveldt, focusing on “Turbulence & Opportunity” and what Caribbean destinations can do to strengthen airlift. St. John Celebration Dates: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced St. John Celebration 2026 runs June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, village events, boat races, parades, and fireworks. Cruise Family Fun: Norwegian Cruise Line set Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay to open Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes and private cabanas available in advance. Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most linked to international travel—Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands accounted for a large share. Local Marina Update: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, sought an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits, but the request was paused pending more details.

U.S. Virgin Islands Culture: The VI Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration for June 14–July 4, themed “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix,” with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Caribbean Tourism in New York: Caribbean Week returns to New York on June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a regional delegation for meetings, workshops, and marketing strategy sessions. Cruise & Island Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes available starting today and cabanas for up to six guests. St. Thomas Marina Update: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook is seeking an extension of its Economic Development Commission tax benefits, but the request was paused pending more details. Travel Safety & Health: A new report finds U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, with most infections tied to international travel, including the Caribbean and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Weather Watch: NOAA’s revamped hurricane cone will include inland watches and warnings for the U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas, aiming to reduce confusion about where hazards can strike.

U.S. Virgin Islands Events: The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has set the 2026 St. John Celebration dates: June 14–July 4, with steel pan nights, J’ouvert, village events, boat races, parades, and fireworks over Cruz Bay. Caribbean Tourism & Travel Industry: Caribbean Week in New York returns June 1 at InterContinental New York Times Square, with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and BVI Premier Natalio Wheatley leading a regional delegation for meetings and workshops on airlift, marketing, sustainability, and tourism growth. Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line says Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay opens Sept. 4, 2026, with day passes available starting today for eligible sailings and cabanas for up to six guests. Local Marine Tourism: American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, St. Thomas, is seeking an extension of Economic Development Commission tax benefits as it outlines major upgrades to the marina and waterfront operations. Health & Travel Safety: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359% versus the 2010–2023 average, with most linked to international travel, including the Caribbean and the U.S. Virgin Islands.