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VI rated No.1 for Caribbean destinations by US News & World Report

- makes world’s top 25 list
Tourists at Cane Garden Bay Beach on Tortola, Virgin Islands. The beach was mentioned as one of the top places to visit by US News and World Report. Photo: VINO
The Baths on Virgin Gorda was described as 'mystifying' by US News and World Report. Photo: Caribbean360.com
The Baths on Virgin Gorda was described as 'mystifying' by US News and World Report. Photo: Caribbean360.com
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The [British] Virgin Islands has made the world’s top 25 list and been ranked as the leading Caribbean tourist destination by US News and World Report.

After analysing more than 250 destinations, using a methodology that combined expert analysis and traveller opinions, US News and World Report released its 2016-2017 best destinations rankings.

Securing a place for the Caribbean were the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) which took the number 21 spot on the world’s top 25 list and topped 16 regionally ranked destinations.

Accessibility to beaches, tourist sites and comfortable accommodations, as well as user votes and expert insights, factored into the regional rankings, which saw the VI edge out St Lucia and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) in the top three Caribbean spots.

Here’s what US News had to say about their choice of leading regional destinations:

[British] Virgin Islands
Gold Badge #1 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: “Posh” is the best word to describe the Virgin Islands. The shoreline at Cane Garden Bay is particularly picturesque and The Baths are mystifying. Infused with refined British culture, this archipelago is the epitome of Caribbean luxury.

St Lucia
Gold Badge #2 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: This island’s got it all: sprawling chalk-coloured beaches, towering mountains and upscale resorts. Start your day with a hike through the Piton Mountains, soak up some midday sun along Reduit Beach and watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.

US Virgin Islands
Gold Badge #3 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: Spring is the time to enjoy the US Virgin Islands, particularly in late April when the boisterous Carnival season in St Thomas gets underway. You can still enjoy the unspoiled beauty of a St John beach or historic trivia on a St Croix plantation tour at any time of year.

Cayman Islands
Gold Badge #4 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: One of the most scenic spots in the Caribbean (and home to some of the world’s best beaches), the Cayman Islands offer premier diving sites. This archipelago features some great hotel deals, so you can enjoy the white beaches and clear waters while sticking to a budget.

Turks & Caicos
Gold Badge #5 in Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean
Why go: Turks & Caicos offers some of the most stunning white beaches in the Caribbean, including Grace Bay. These islands make a wonderful retreat for those who seek maximum comfort in a tropical setting, though, hotel prices can be higher than on other islands.

Topping US News’ world rankings is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of seven natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Grand Canyon National Park was named the top US destination, while Vancouver earned the top Canadian spot.

Rome was the top spot in Europe while Cape Town, South Africa topped the Africa/Middle East list.
Bali was the top Asia spot.

For Central and South America, Galapagos Islands came out on top while Oaxaca was named the number one spot in Mexico.

17 Responses to “VI rated No.1 for Caribbean destinations by US News & World Report”

  • dog (07/07/2016, 17:04) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    How much tb paid for this?
  • Hmmmm (07/07/2016, 20:32) Like (14) Dislike (14) Reply
    Before or after the kidnapping / crimes that's have overwhelm the BVI?

    If the truth was to only be told. Lucky for tourist them only stay on the beach front cause the problems behind the beaches are embarrassing .
    • one BVI (07/07/2016, 22:08) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply
      You people need to stop hating if you don't like it here ,liat flying go check in
    • Well Sah (07/07/2016, 22:26) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Hmmmm.......if u live in the BVI you're as dumb as a rock......you're basically telling the tourists not to visit us.... Do u kno how that will affect us.....Our financial services are already under attack and the one thing we will have left u destroying that too with such foolish comments....take several seats with ur ignorance and jus allow our destination to be ranked by the world......I invite everyone to our beautiful Islands.....Come n experience natures little secret
    • ppl like u make it bad (12/07/2016, 10:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Everywhere has crime even the states where most people from here want to run off too. But in our minds it better than here because we see what goes on a daily basis and vice versa. When you find a place that doesn't have crime or has less crime than the Bvi holla.
  • dog (07/07/2016, 23:29) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    all the more reason to protect the environment and watch development. We already have a reputation for being luxurious with upscale resorts, but for the life of me, the reviewer must have come to Cane Garden when there were no cruise ships. The bigger point is they see BVI culture and not a miami or St Marteen wanna be. We are unique.
    But "refined British culture"? Must be the concierge on VG. protect what we have.
  • Bohannon (08/07/2016, 06:31) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    How come they didnt bitvh about immigration and customs? For a dirty garbage strewn territory I welcome the ratings. Environment is of a concern for the future of the bvi.
    • True (08/07/2016, 10:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      Everywhere,strewn all over. Get rid of the up de islun and repugnant settlers,VI will be AOK.
  • ddb (08/07/2016, 09:47) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congrats BVI...you are truly BEAUTIFUL.
  • Awesome (08/07/2016, 13:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a BVIslander I am proud of this news. We as a people need to enjoy this place we call home. Visit the islands for a night stay, a weekend, take ferry for lunch or dinner, take tours visit national parks, go sailing. You would be amazed of your little BVI. I encourage you to experience what tourist come to enjoy from always showing negativity.
  • vgman (08/07/2016, 13:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    the baths and other virgin gorda beaches are responsible for bringing most of the tourists to the bvi
    • ? (09/07/2016, 07:31) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      And whats your moot point?
      • dog (09/07/2016, 09:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        the point is that we don't take care of Tortola beaches, that they are at the mercy of cruise ship visitors. Shear volume creates stress, trash, traffic and chases off residents and regulars. trash is in the mangroves and sides of the roads. Most of VG has been sold to resorts who not only groom their beach fronts for the wealthy (and limit access to residents), but even the baths are under stress from crowds. What is "moot" about that?
  • great (09/07/2016, 09:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is amazing News. Lets get even better B.VI!
  • No tourist (09/07/2016, 16:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's not the tourists who trash.out and dirty up the beaches and island


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