15 Nov U.S. Virgin Islands Continues to Rebuild Tourism Industry Following September Storms
U.S. Virgin Islands Aftermath
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which struck the U.S. Virgin Islands in September, the territory has been working diligently to rebuild the once-bustling tourism industry. According to the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, several important milestones in the goal of rebuilding have been reached including the opening of both the St. Croix and St. Thomas airports to commercial flights. Inter-island flights by Air Sunshine, Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines are also operational.
Important Milestones
Another important milestone was the announcement by one of the flagship hotels on St. Croix, The Buccaneer, that it would begin accepting reservations for November 1, 2017 and on. The resort was even able to host the annual St. Croix Coral Reef Swim, held November 5. Since the devastating storms, The Buccaneer has remained open to house relief personnel. The relief personnel continues to occupy several rooms, but the hotel is fully up and running for leisure guests including the beach, golf course, pool, spa, restaurant, and tennis court.
U.S. Virgin Islands Update
St. Croix, which experienced less damage than St. Thomas and St. John, has many restaurants, stores, and activities that have resumed business as usual. In addition, The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship, which holds over 3,000 passengers and crew members, returned to St. Croix on November 11.