The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has kicked off 2023 by welcoming the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) as its 25th member country.

"I wholeheartedly welcome the United States Virgin Islands and Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte to the membership,” said CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan.

“Having one of the fastest growing travel destinations in our fraternity further strengthens the organization and enhances the spirit of collaboration and cohesion among our jurisdiction."

The USVI joins the organization of regional tourism leaders at a time when the CTO says it is seeking to refocus its mandate on shaping the Caribbean tourism sector of the future.

"The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is a key economic driver in the Caribbean’s growth and sustainability, and we are honoured that the USVI is now a member,” said Boschulte.

“We saw encouraging growth in tourism in the USVI in 2022. We look forward to working with the CTO in 2023 to create mechanisms to ensure that growth continues for both the USVI and our Caribbean neighbours.”