The Virgin Islands recorded a remarkable total of 1.2 million tourist arrivals in 2025. Photo: VINO

In a special report on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in St. Lucia, where the Virgin Islands is an associate member, the Premier noted that in 2025, the territory recorded a remarkable total of 1.2 million tourist arrivals, which is a significant achievement. Photo:Facebook

A tourism policy will go a very long way in ensuring that the Virgin Islands has a cohesive, coactive approach to developing its tourism product, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said. Photo: VINO

This was revealed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who stated that he is currently reviewing the latest version of the policy.

"I’m just reviewing the latest draft of that tourism policy, and it will be published so that the public can take a look at it and provide final feedback before we approve it,” he said.

1.2m tourists arrived in 2025

In a special report on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in St Lucia, the Premier noted that in 2025, the territory recorded a remarkable total of 1.2 million tourist arrivals, which is a significant achievement.

"But we still stay extremely focused on improvement, because there's still a number of areas that we want to improve...but we're looking forward to a tourism policy being passed this year."

The Premier added that the tourism policy will go a very long way in "ensuring that we have a cohesive, coactive approach to developing our tourism product."

He anticipates that the new policy will enhance the quality of the visitor experience, hoping for “even increased numbers, especially of overnight guests.”