Governor to Build on Cruise Industry Partnerships and Urge Federal Protection for Marine Sector Expansion Across the Territory
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. will travel out of the territory from April 5 through April 10 to attend the 2025 Seatrade Cruise Global Conference in Miami, Florida.
The annual summit of global cruise industry leaders offers a key opportunity for the Governor to advance his administration’s Blue Economy strategy which is focused on strengthening the Virgin Islands’ marine sector and creating new pathways for economic diversification across the territory.
The Bryan-Roach Administration has prioritized the Blue Economy as a vital driver of growth, jobs, and innovation. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virgin Islands has seen measurable expansion in its marine industries, including increased cruise traffic, charter activity, and maritime tourism. This growth reflects strategic investments and targeted engagement to position the U.S. Virgin Islands as a competitive and attractive destination within the global cruise and marine space.
At the 2024 Seatrade conference, Governor Bryan met with several major cruise lines to encourage increased ship calls and longer port stays in the Virgin Islands. Those conversations contributed to the successful passage of legislation backed by the governor allowing cruise ships to operate their onboard casinos while docked in local ports—a measure seen by industry leaders as a practical incentive for deeper engagement with the territory.
“This was about creating smart, fair policies that align with industry expectations and support our economy,” said Governor Bryan. “We’ve seen momentum build across our ports, and we’re heading back to Seatrade to build on that progress and expand on the conversation to attract more calls, longer stays, and ultimately greater economic benefit for Virgin Islanders and to Virgin Islands businesses.
As the Governor looks to expand cruise partnerships, he will also raise concerns about a federal policy proposal under consideration by the White House to impose new port fees on Chinese-built vessels. While aimed at promoting domestic shipbuilding, the proposal could have unintended impacts to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where marine industries, particularly freight shipping operations depend heavily on foreign-built ships.
“Federal policy should reflect the unique circumstances of U.S. territories,” Governor Bryan said. “We’re working constructively with our partners in Washington to make sure the voice of the Virgin Islands is heard and that the growth we’ve fought for in our marine sector isn’t disrupted by unintended consequences.”
The Governor remains in active discussions with White House officials, members of Congress, and the territory’s federal advocates to ensure that any changes to maritime policy include provisions that acknowledge the operational and economic realities of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the other insular territories.
While cruise tourism continues to be a cornerstone of the Virgin Islands economy, the Governor’s Blue Economy strategy is about more than cruise ships. It encompasses a broader effort to build out marine infrastructure, expand services, create jobs, and develop a more dynamic maritime economy that serves all three islands.
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. will serve as acting governor while Governor Bryan is out of the territory.
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The post Governor Bryan to Attend 2025 Seatrade Cruise Global as Administration Presses Forward with Blue Economy Strategy to Diversify Virgin Islands Economy appeared first on Government of the United States Virgin Islands.
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