British Virgin Islands sets ‘new record’ for arrivals in 2025

Visitor numbers to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) increased from 1,091,742 in 2024 to 1,202,008 last year – “a new record for total visitor arrivals”, according to the tourist board.

 

The milestone comes after the country welcomed more than one million visitors for the first time since 2016 in 2024, having been hindered by hurricanes in 2017 and the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The UK remains the BVI’s third largest market behind the United States and Canada, representing the country’s “top long-haul destination”.

 

Natasha Chalwell, deputy director of tourism for the British Virgin Islands, told Aspire the destination is set to become “more accessible” this year with the addition of new direct flights from other Caribbean destinations. 

 

Regional airline InterCaribbean Airways has partnered with Virgin Atlantic to provide flights across the Caribbean, including incoming BVI flights from islands such as Antigua and Barbados, the latter of which will begin this March.

 

Chalwell said multi-centre trips across the Caribbean are proving popular, as well as itineraries involving “sailing stays”.

 

She said: “Sometimes [guests] charter for a few days and then come back in [for a hotel stay], so that gives them some variety.”

 

Recent renovations at various properties across the country have integrated more significant yacht facilities, including an expanded marina at Biras Marina & Resort and an additional 150 yacht slips at Nanny Cay Resort. 

 

Heritage hotel Peter Island Resort recently reopened seven years after being devastated by hurricane Irma in 2017 and now offers an expanded marina with day passes for yacht guests to utilise the restaurant, spa, pools and pickleball courts. 

 

Chalwell said: “We are a yachting destination, so it’s amazing to see properties rebuild with an emphasis on marina services.”

 

Visitor numbers emphasise the centrality of cruise to the destination, with more than 875,000 tourists arriving via cruise in 2025.

 

Chalwell added that the “seamless” travel between the country’s islands on board local water taxis is a “unique experience” that allows for “convenient island-hopping”.

 

She further emphasised the BVI’s appeal in the “unrushed periods” during shoulder season, adding: “Our message to the trade is that we are open all year round.”

 

The tourist board works with UK agents through training days, evening events, regular webinars, fam trips and a dedicated training platform.