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Hurricane Season is Over but not before Record-setting storms Killed Hundreds and Cost Billions
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St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism proudly announces new record-breaking passenger arrival numbers, which highlight the continued growth of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John as a leading tourism destination.
Closing out the year on a high, December 28 recorded 4,606 passenger arrivals, surpassing the single-day arrival record set earlier in March 2024. This achievement also led to a new weekly passenger arrival record, with over 24,000 arrivals, marking a 5.92% increase over the previous record.
“As a destination, we continue to explore, elevate, and improve, which further supports the ongoing goal to build upon our commitment to be a premier Caribbean destination,” shares Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
In 2024, combined airline arrivals at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix totaled 932,265 passengers. This figure surpassed the previous record set during the COVID-19 pandemic by over 100,000 passengers and represented a 16.5% increase compared to 2023.
The newly released numbers culminate a year of exponential tourism growth for the U.S. Virgin Islands, including a record-breaking month of arrivals in March with 106,026, and the introduction or return of airline routes from American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, and United Airlines.
The Territory also experienced a significant boost in cruise passengers, welcoming 1,770,922, resulting in a 9.8% increase compared to 2023. This growth was driven by the maiden voyages of several ships, including Scarlet Lady, Icon of the Seas, Disney Treasure, Explora I, Sun Princess, Explora II, Emerald Azzurra, Celebrity Apex, and Rhapsody of the Seas. The increase in cruise arrivals highlights the ongoing efforts of the Department of Tourism and local partners to strengthen and foster relationships across the industry.
In addition to welcoming more visitors, the territory also received several prestigious industry honors, including:
“As we look to 2025, we will continue to push the creativity of our marketing strategies, which includes advertising, social media, public relations, and partnerships to connect with and keep the U.S. Virgin Islands top of mind for new and returning travelers,” adds Commissioner Boschulte.
Commissioner Boschulte and the Department of Tourism team continue to set their sights on an ambitious future, positioning the U.S. Virgin Islands as the premier destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality.
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

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Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) renewing their commitment to increase the skills of public health professionals in applied epidemiological interventions, including outbreak detection, emergency response and surveillance analyses.   
Field epidemiology is often described as “applied” or “intervention” epidemiology. It seeks to rapidly address priority public health issues in the community by using the appropriate resources and epidemiologic methods to investigate a problem and make recommendations for public health action, for immediate and longerterm control and prevention.
Dr Lisa Indar, Ad Interim Executive Director, CARPHA reiterated the importance of Field Epidemiology Training Programmes (FETPs) to the Region, ”CARPHA’s novel FETP has the laboratory component added to it and is regarded as a ‘boots on the ground’ programme. It has built much needed human resources capacity for health (HRH) in the small island developing states of the Caribbean.  Participants’ work contributes to the strengthening of the national public health system as a whole, by providing evidence-based information for public health action”.
Dr Carl Reddy, Programme Director, TEPHINET expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the regional programme, “TEPHINET is proud to have the Caribbean Regional FELTP as a member of its global network, given the sterling job that it has done in building field epidemiology capacity in an underserved region susceptible to climate change and prone to public health emergencies such as natural disasters”.
Dr Laura Lee Boodram, Head, Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Lab Training Programmes (CRFELTP), CARPHA said, “The tiered training programme is based on a model of building practical competencies, which enables trainees to apply classroom-based learning to solve real world situations”. CR-FELTP training content and learning projects address priority public health issues in the Caribbean, such as communicable and non-communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS; emerging health threats including Chikungunya and Ebola viruses; and laboratory surveillance.
Key objectives of the MOU are:
In January 2017 a technical partnership was formed between Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC)/TEPHINET and CARPHA in order to implement Frontline training as a pilot initiative, against the framework of the CR-FELTP.  To date, 18 CARPHA Member States have benefitted from the Programme.
 
Background:
CARPHA is the sole regional public health agency for the Caribbean, legally established in 2011 by an Intergovernmental Agreement signed by the Caribbean Community member states. CARPHA is responsible for providing strategic direction and analysing, defining and responding to the public health priorities of the Caribbean in order to prevent diseases, promote and protect health and to respond to public health emergencies.
TEPHINET, formed in 1997, is a professional network of 83-member field epidemiology training programs (FETPs) working in more than 100 countries. With a mission to empower and mobilise a competent field epidemiology workforce to serve all people through standardised training, experiential learning, training program quality improvement, mentoring, and knowledge exchanges in order to connect epidemiologists better, faster, and with quality across the globe.
 
Photo Captions
Header: Dr Lisa Indar, CARPHA Ad Interim Executive Director signs the MOU between CARPHA and TEPHINET to strengthen public health and disease surveillance systems management in the Caribbean, while Dr Mark Sami, CARPHA Director Corporate Services looks on
Insert: Dr Carl Reddy, TEPHINET Programme Director, at his office in Atlanta, GA, after signing the MoU between TEPHINET and CARPHA

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Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands — Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (VisitTCI.com) played a pivotal role in showcasing the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands during a feature on NBC’s TODAY show on Monday morning (January 6th). The segment, which aired to millions of viewers across the United States, highlighted iconic destinations like Grace Bay Beach, Water Cay, and West Harbour Bluff, using exclusive content from VisitTCI.com.
During the segment, host Al Roker praised the islands as “one of [his] favorite spots beach-wise” and reaffirmed their inclusion in Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2025.
This feature continues Visit Turks and Caicos Islands’ ongoing commitment to promoting the country globally. The website has recently undergone significant enhancements to deliver an even richer experience for travelers, including redesigned homepages, new interactive features such as video overviews of featured hotels and resorts, and an 8% expansion in original content. VisitTCI is the largest source of authoritative Turks and Caicos content, with more than 1,100 in-depth articles and 6,000 high-quality original photos.
“VisitTCI.com has always been about providing the most accurate and engaging travel information for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Daniel J. LeVin, Executive Editor of VisitTCI.com. “Our partnership with NBC TODAY and the recognition from Travel + Leisure reflects the hard work we’ve invested in elevating TCI to one of the world’s top vacation destinations.”
The platform’s dedication to excellence has also earned partnerships with top international publications, including National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler. Visit Turks and Caicos Islands is TCI’s largest and most-visited website.
You can watch a recording of the segment at NBC.com: https://www.today.com/video/top-travel-destinations-hidden-gems-to-visit-in-2025-228564037644

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Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Vessels: 167
With its turquoise waters and proximity to the famous Exuma Cays, Nassau offers fantastic boating experiences and stands out as the busiest boat rental destination in the Caribbean. Popular boat trips include visiting Pig Beach, snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto, and exploring private islands. Fishing charters are a top boating activity in Nassau, with visitors booking half and full-day excursions on fully-equipped fishing boats for deep-sea adventures. The warm climate and thriving marine life make it exceptionally popular for winter escapes and Spring Break vacations for families and groups of friends of all ages.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Vessels: 110
Fajardo is known for its bioluminescent bays and the nearby Cordillera Nature Reserve. Boat trips to Icacos Island and Vieques offer opportunities for pristine snorkeling, diving, and the unique experience of visiting a bioluminescent bay. It’s seasonally dependent, but if you come at the right time, you could be greeted by glow-in-the-dark organisms illuminating the waters around you during a tour by boat at night. This is often considered a bucket list experience, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is one of the best destinations for it. The consistent weather and calm seas are also ideal for sailing year-round.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans
Number of Vessels: 285
Cartagena boasts a rich cultural heritage, charming old town streets, alongside stunning coastal waters. It’s one of the most visited cities in Colombia, both by international and domestic tourists. The most commonly chosen boating itinerary for visitors on vacation is a day trip to the Rosario Islands. These islands are known for coral reefs and vibrant sea life, and provide the perfect scenery for photo shoots, island hopping, and sunbathing. Its year-round tropical weather makes it a favorite for yachters looking for day excursions or even overnight adventures.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 167
Located on the eastern coast, north of Punta Cana, Bavaro is a growing tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, thanks to its proximity to the international airport and its rapidly-growing accommodations and facilities. It’s also a very affordable destination for yachting, with average hourly rates starting at just $125/hour for large yachts.
With 10 kilometers of coastline, there are many great beaches to explore and enjoy, and cruising around from Bavaro to various sandbars and tiny islands off the coast is a top activity enjoyed by visitors on vacation. Popular trips from Bavaro include snorkeling in coral gardens and cruising along the lagoon. Boat tours here with local captains provide for an unforgettable vacation experience.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 345
With the international airport in Punta Cana receiving over 1.5 million tourists annually, it’s a top Caribbean destination for travelers seeking sunshine and warmth, especially during the winter months and over Spring Break. Punta Cana is known for its white-sand beaches and warm, blue waters, and it offers fantastic boating options. Popular excursions include Saona Island, exploring natural pools and sandbars, spotting dolphins in the wild, or even full day trips to Punta de los Nidos. It’s a remarkably affordable yachting destination, especially if you’re visiting with a group and can split the cost. Many options start at under $100/hour for impressive vessel rentals with captains included.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 24
Jan Thiel in Curacao is a gem of the Caribbean for on-water adventures, where you can cruise and discover secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Motor yachts and large sailboats are the most in-demand style of boat to charter or rent here, as the favorable winds make it ideal for sailing, and there are many great areas to explore by private yacht. Popular trips by boat from Jan Thiel include exploring Klein Curaçao, a remote island perfect for snorkeling and diving, and day trips to Fuikbay and the Spanish Lagoon. It’s an area of the island with many beach clubs and waterfront restaurants that you can visit by boat, or book a catered lunch onboard your yacht charter.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Boat Listings: 53
Montego Bay is celebrated for its lively culture, luxury accommodations, incredible yacht services, and beautiful scenery. It’s a top destination in Jamaica for the over 2 million visitors who travel to the island annually.
Boating trips from Montego Bay often feature visits to Doctor’s Cave Beach and the Montego Bay Marine Park. Many visitors opt to have an all-inclusive bar and catered local food onboard. The area’s warm waters are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, and many larger yacht charters will include equipment for these sorts of activities.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 18
Aruba’s Oranjestad is renowned for shipwreck dives and luxury catamaran cruises, and has grown in popularity in recent years as a top vacation destination for visitors from around the globe. Popular destinations include the Antilla shipwreck and the calm waters of Eagle Beach. Sunset cruises are another popular choice here, and are an ideal way to end a perfect vacation day. The gorgeous beaches and waters of Oranjestad coupled with the easy access to boats and yachts in the various marinas of the city make it a top choice for boating enthusiasts on a trip to the island.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Boat Listings: 27
Turks and Caicos experienced record tourism growth in 2024, and an upscale area of the islands, the Leeward Settlement, is a top Caribbean destination for boat rentals and yacht charters. The area offers natural beauty thanks to its clear turquoise waters and pristine, white sand beaches. Popular trips by boat from here include exploring Grace Bay and snorkeling at Smith’s Reef. The shallow, calm waters make it an ideal spot for family boating. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and incredible colorful fish.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats
Number of Boat Listings: 15
While not as busy with respect to boating as the east coast city of Fajardo, San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, combines vibrant city life with excellent boating opportunities. Sailing is a top choice here, with visitors opting for sightseeing and sunset cruises. Popular excursions by boat from San Juan include trips to nearby islands like Palomino and Culebra. Its rich history, iconic landmarks and warm, sunny weather make it a top choice. Make sure to snap some photos of the old fort infrastructure while cruising around.
Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans
Number of Vessels: 28
Located near the Belize Barrier Reef on the south side of Ambergris Caye, San Pedro offers unmatched opportunities for diving and snorkeling and is a top destination for visitors venturing to Belize. Popular boating trips include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. The biodiversity of this region in the Caribbean guarantees marine life sightings when out exploring by boat. Catamarans are the top style of boat for trips here, which are great for large groups on vacation together.
In Summary
The Caribbean is a world-renowned destination for boating and yachting, offering over 7,000 islands, cays, and islets, each with unique charm and natural beauty. With its consistently warm temperatures ranging from 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C) year-round, calm waters, and trade winds averaging 15-25 knots, the region provides ideal conditions for sailors and boaters of all skill levels. The Caribbean accounts for approximately 20% of the global yacht charter market, with the top hotspots like The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic drawing millions of visitors annually. Boating highlights include the Great Blue Hole in Belize, attracting divers and boaters, and the Rosario Islands near Cartagena, known for vibrant marine biodiversity. Visitors flock to these waters for exceptional snorkeling, diving, fishing, and island-hopping experiences, making the Caribbean a paradise for maritime enthusiasts.
To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed all boat rentals, charters, and demand data for Caribbean cities in 2024. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Data on the most popular boat style and the number of vessels available in each location are included for the top locations to paint a more detailed picture of each city’s boating culture.
About Getmyboat
Getmyboat is the world’s biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.

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