As Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 welcomed thousands of cruise industry leaders from around the globe to Miami Beach, Senator Avery L. Lewis is making it clear: the Virgin Islands will not be left behind in the future of tourism. The U.S. Virgin Islands is on the move—and the world is watching.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary under the theme “Milestones,” Seatrade Cruise Global remains the world’s premier event for the cruise industry, where powerful conversations on sustainability, artificial intelligence, destination innovation, and guests’ expectations at sea and ashore are discussed. Senator Lewis had the opportunity to network and engage with key tourism stakeholders, navigating generational shifts and curating future-ready shore experiences.
“Gone are the days when we relied solely on sun, sand, and sea,” said Senator Lewis. “We must evolve, innovate, and align our product with the expectations of tomorrow’s travelers.
As the Territory navigates a new era of tourism, Senator Lewis emphasized the need for collaborative action. “We must prepare, not just react. From our vendors to our taxi drivers, our artisans and port authorities, every Virgin Islander who impacts the visitor experience must understand the direction the global market is heading.”
Senator Lewis calls for an all-hands-on-deck approach, where local businesses, policymakers, and cultural leaders work together to create unforgettable and authentic experiences for every visitor that touches our shores. “From a legislative perspective, I plan to be the loudest advocate for my shore energy legislation and create opportunities for the Virgin Islands to accommodate, at a cost, the services the cruise lines desperately need. This strategy put the Virgin Islands at the forefront of increased ship calls. I am excited,” says Senator Lewis.
“It’s not just about legislation anymore,” Lewis noted. “It’s about keeping our islands clean and taking pride in our community. It’s about making our visitors feel safe and welcomed. That means proudly showcasing our rich heritage. Only we can do these things, and we must do them well if we intend to elevate our status in the tourism industry.”
Senator Lewis also expressed his commitment to bringing the essence of Seatrade back home, offering workshops, town hall meetings, and roundtables to local vendors and first-point-of-contact personnel. Senator Lewis believes that the insight gained from attending this year’s Seatrade must be shared with all tourism stakeholders so that they, too, can be enlightened by what cruise executives are saying and what guests expect.
“Let’s give our people a taste of Seatrade—because our people are the product! We must make a concerted effort to strengthen and preserve our product. The better we understand the global tourism economy, the stronger we’ll be.”
With a future full of opportunity, the U.S. Virgin Islands is poised to meet and exceed global expectations.
