Tourist arrivals boom 20% in first two months of 2026

BVI tourist arrivals surged by 20 per cent in January and February 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to Junior Minister for Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith, who described the early figures as “encouraging” for the territory’s key industry.

Hodge-Smith said the data – provided by the Director of Tourism – shows growth across both cruise and overnight segments.

“We have seen, in both cruise and overnight visitors, an overall increase of 20 per cent… Twenty per cent more than January and February of last year,” she explained.

She acknowledged that even overnight stays have seen a slight increase, though they’d love to see more progress in that sector. “About a six per cent increase in overnight guests, I think we are always wanting to see more,” Hodge-Smith said.

Her comments come amid ongoing complaints within the BVI that the tourism recovery is being driven largely by cruise passengers and short-term visitors, rather than higher-spending overnight guests who support hotels, villas, restaurants and transportation services.

Some industry stakeholders have argued that the territory has yet to return to the levels seen before the 2017 hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when it comes to longer stays. Hodge-Smith referenced 2016 as a high point for overnight tourism, noting that the sector was significantly disrupted by back-to-back global crises.

“But we’re beginning to pick up,” she said. “We’re beginning to pick up with increasing cruise passengers, and now this 20 per cent increase, it’s encouraging.”

The government has consistently defended the overall performance of the tourism sector, pointing to rising visitor numbers and growth in marine and cruise activity as signs of resilience. Officials have also stressed that recovery must be viewed in context, given the severe shocks of recent years.

Hodge-Smith also cautioned that global uncertainty could still affect travel patterns.

“[We must still consider] geopolitical issues… and how it’s going to impact us with travel,” she said, noting that the BVI is working closely with regional partners through the Caribbean Tourism Organization to monitor trends.

“So far, it’s okay,” she added, while indicating that authorities are keeping a close watch on any potential downturns.

The latest figures are likely to fuel continued debate about the direction of the tourism industry — and whether increased arrivals are translating into meaningful economic gains for the territory.