Our latest research into St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, uncovered a surge of exciting new hospitality and tourism developments poised to reshape the island’s economic landscape. These projects are set to boost tourism, generate new jobs, and drive long-term growth across St. Thomas and the broader region in 2025 and beyond.
Record-breaking tourism numbers made 2024 a banner year for the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to the Department of Tourism, the territory welcomed over 1.7 million cruise passengers and more than 900,000 air travelers, setting a new all-time high. Officials credit the surge to strategic partnerships with cruise lines and the addition of new air routes, making the islands more accessible than ever.
Big changes are on the horizon for Charlotte Amalie Harbor. In July 2024, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave the green light for a major dredging project to deepen the harbor and accommodate the next generation of cruise ships. Work is set to begin in mid-2025 and will take roughly 15 months, solidifying St. Thomas’s place among the Caribbean’s top-tier cruise destinations.
A waterfront transformation is coming to Crown Bay. In tandem with the harbor upgrades, plans are in motion for an ambitious redevelopment of the Crown Bay area. Highlights include a third cruise pier, enhancements to the Crown Bay Center retail complex, and the addition of family-friendly attractions like a new outdoor waterpark. Funding will come in part from updated wharfage fees and passenger surcharges, especially for ships operated by Royal Caribbean.
The world’s largest cruise ship made waves in St. Thomas. In January 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which carries up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew, made its inaugural Caribbean stop at the Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal. The visit drew widespread media attention and elevated St. Thomas’s profile as a must-visit port for mega cruise liners.
The Cyril E. King Airport is gearing up for the future. A sweeping redevelopment project is in the works as part of a public-private partnership led by the Virgin Islands Port Authority. Travelers can expect a more seamless experience thanks to new jet bridges, a modernized baggage system, and a revamped terminal designed to better accommodate growing passenger numbers.
Luxury has returned to Frenchman’s Reef. After a $425 million post-hurricane transformation, the iconic resort reopened in 2023 as the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and the Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort. Together offering 486 rooms, the reimagined property signals a strong rebound for St. Thomas’s high-end hospitality scene.
A new Hilton hotel is under development along the St. Thomas waterfront. Construction began in early 2024 on the Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, a 126-room hotel just minutes from downtown Charlotte Amalie and adjacent to Havensight Mall. The property is scheduled to open in August 2025, bringing another trusted brand to the territory’s expanding hotel landscape.