United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
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.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel