New York Times names BVI among top 52 places to visit in 2025

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has earned the number 33 rankng in New York Times’ annual and coveted 52 places to go in 2025 with the BVI being one of only two Caribbean destinations featured in the article.

According to a press release by the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC) on Thursday, January 9, the article highlighted the revival of BVI properties being impacted by the Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The article, written by a Nora Walsh, noted that though it took several years, the territory has finally ‘bounced back’ from the effects of these disasters.

“Featured prominently are the ongoing enhancements at the Bitter End Yacht Club, including the addition of luxurious over-the-water lofts slated for completion this year; the reimagined Biras Marina & Resort; and the stunningly transformed Peter Island Resort, which reopened its doors in December 2024,” the press release stated.

Director of Tourism Clive McCoy commented on the accomplishment, while noting the territory was previously featured on this list.

“While we are no strangers to this prestigious list, our inclusion this year is a testament to the resilience and innovation that define the BVI. The revival of our iconic properties, coupled with increased airlift, including direct non-stop flights from the United States, marks an exciting new chapter for our destination,” McCoy stated.

“This accolade is a significant win, showcasing the BVI’s beauty, resilience, and unparalleled hospitality. We are thrilled to inspire travellers to experience all that the British Virgin Islands has to offer,” he concluded.

While getting to the Virgin Islands was highlighted as a typical difficulty, the article also noted the increased flights to the territory from Miami.

“Getting to the British Virgin Islands often means connecting flights or ferries, but American Airlines is making the trip from the continental United States easier by introducing the first-ever nonstop flights from Miami to the Beef Island airport, which serves Tortola, up to five times a day,” the article read.

Minister of Communication and Works, Kye Rymer recently announced that American Airlines had increased its daily scheduled flights to the BVI from December 2024 to March 2025, in response to growing demand.

According to Rymer, the airline now operates four flights daily and five on weekends. However, this increased frequency began as early as mid-November 2024.

Meanwhile, Montserrat was number 52 on this prestigious list, another British overseas territory “ready for a comeback” after years of a chain of volcanic eruptions.

The tourist board expressed that the New York Times’ has a vast reach of 153.7 million unique monthly visitors (UVM), which notes the BVI’s placement as proof of its growing appeal to a global audience.

This placement seeks to further solidify the island’s reputation as a premier travel destination.