U.S. Virgin Islands Earns Major Industry Accolades from Fora and Porthole Cruise and Travel

St. Thomas and St. John named No. 9 on Fora's 2027 Hot List, while the territory receives Porthole's 2026 Readers' Choice Award for Best Caribbean Cruise Destination

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are heading into 2027 with growing momentum, earning two notable travel industry recognitions. St. Thomas and St, John secured the No. 9 spot on Fora's 2027 Hot List, the travel agency's annual forecast of destinations and travel trends expected to shape the year ahead. The recognition highlights the destination's compelling combination of turquoise waters, lush landscapes, evolving resort offerings and passport-free travel for U.S. citizens. Additionally, the territory was named Best Caribbean Cruise Destination in Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, reflecting its continued appeal among cruise travelers.

Now in its fifth year, Fora's Hot List highlights destinations gaining traction among its network of travel advisors and their clients. The recognition positions the USVI as a Caribbean getaway that offers the best of both worlds: the vibrant resort, dining and sailing scene of St. Thomas paired with the laid-back beaches and protected natural landscapes of neighboring St. John.

"We are honored and excited to see the territory recognized by both Fora and Porthole, reflecting the destination's continued interest among travelers and industry professionals," said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands. "Our diverse experiences across all three islands, growing portfolio of accommodations, rich cultural offerings and convenient accessibility for U.S. travelers, continue to set the territory apart as a premier Caribbean destination. These recognitions underscore the strength of our tourism industry and the exciting opportunities ahead as we continue to welcome visitors from around the world."

The Fora report also shines a spotlight on the destination's expanding hospitality landscape. Among the properties highlighted is Lovango Resort & Beach Club, a private-island retreat just off St. John that's earned Two Michelin Keys and offers an intimate escape with convenient access to St. Thomas. Lovango was additionally recognized on the report's list of notable properties for its luxury offerings and sustainable practices, further highlighting the diversity of accommodations available throughout the destination.

The report also mentions Frenchman's Reef, home to The Westin St. Thomas Beach Resort & Spa and Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas, following the property's extensive redevelopment and reimagining completed in 2023. Looking ahead, The Botany, an anticipated boutique resort on St. Thomas featuring just 20 villas across 300 acres, is expected to open in 2027, adding another distinctive offering to the islands' hospitality portfolio.

The Porthole Cruise and Travel Readers' Choice Awards further highlight the USVI's appeal as a thriving Caribbean cruise destination. Determined by votes from thousands of readers of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine and online fans of Porthole.com, the annual awards recognize favorites across cruise lines, ships and destinations. The 2026 winners are featured in the magazine's November/December issue and online.

Beyond accommodations and cruise lines, expanded airlift is helping fuel the destination's momentum, with seasonal Delta service from Boston and Southwest routes from Orlando and Baltimore to increase connectivity. St. Thomas also continues to serve as a popular departure and port-of-call destination for luxury yacht itineraries.

From secluded beaches to vibrant resorts, sailing adventures and emerging culinary experiences, the U.S. Virgin Islands offer travelers multiple ways to experience the Caribbean. These latest recognitions from Fora and Porthole Cruise and Travel reinforce the destination's position as a compelling choice for travelers planning their next island getaway.

To read Fora's full 2027 Hot List, visit www.foratravel.com/hot-list-2027.

For more information about Porthole Cruise & Travel visit www.porthole.com/.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.visitusvi.com.

About the U.S. Virgin Islands

About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).

SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism