Area Analysis 15
USVI Cruise Ship Tourism
2,400,000
2,200,000 -
2,000,000
1,800,000
1,600,000
1,400,000 -
1,200,000
1,000,000 nL nN annUEnnEL ERLE pod 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
~—- Cruise Passenger Arrivals Cruise Visitor Expenditures (Millions)
In terms of stopover tourists, the U.S. Virgin Islands ranks 7" in the list of the top tourism markets in the Caribbean, with 2014 stay-over arrivals of about 730,000. The year 2014 indicated modest growth in arrivals, with 3.90% growth over the prior period. The chart below illustrates the relationship between arrivals and GDP. We note that the continuing downturn in GDP is likely due to negative influences outside the tourism sector, such as the 2012 closure of the Hovensa oil refinery in St. Croix.
irep IGY American Yacht Harbor Marina
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_018825