The Department of Tourism reports that air arrivals to the Territory are on the rise according to data compiled by the VI Port Authority. Between January and March there was a 15.9% increase in air arrivals to St. Croix and a 9% increase on St. Thomas. The increase is in line with the upward trend the Territory has been experiencing since last year. St. Thomas air arrivals have been on the rise since September 2009, while St. Croix arrivals have been up since April 2009.
“Given the current global economic environment, we are extremely pleased to be experiencing steady growth,” said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty.
The Department of Tourism continues to work closely with all of its airlines partners to maintain and grow airlift to the Territory. Delta Airlines continues service from Atlanta to St. Croix six days a week during the off-season months of May to August. These flights work perfectly for Canadian passengers departing Toronto on Delta’s 6am departure to Atlanta.
One of the most successful strategies have been consumer promotions such as the recently re-launched St. Croix Fantastic Flight which offers $300 in air credits and $200 in dining and activities certificates to visit St. Croix during a key need period. The promotion is targeting consumers in cities where the airlines have indicated their passengers originate.
