US Virgin Islands shuts down tourism again
The US Virgin Islands will once again close its doors to leisure travelers.
The Territory will go back to ‘Stay-at-Home’ restrictions as it fights growing numbers of positive cases.
This will be in effect for a minimum of two weeks before being re-evaluated.
From 19 August, all non-essential travel to the USVI is banned, said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
All Airbnb hosts, guest houses, other accommodation providers and charter vessel operators have been ordered not to accept any new bookings from immediate effect.
Reservations are only allowed for approved business travelers, flight crews, emergency personnel, and government workers.
"When we announced our Covid19 alert system in May, I indicated at that time that we would retreat … to a more cautious state of alert if conditions warranted. Unfortunately, we have arrived at that point this week," Governor Bryan said.
All non-essential businesses must also close.
There are currently 197 active cases with 63 new cases reported in a single day this week.
"We appreciate the concerns of our tourism partners and stakeholders, however, with the recent spike in cases we must reset, take stock, safeguard human life, and prepare for restarting," said USVI Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026