Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546515
B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 CARIBBEAN CORNER U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS WELCOMES NEW SOUTHWEST NONSTOP SERVICE FROM NASHVILLE TO ST. THOMAS New Route Strengthens Air Connectivity and Expands Access to the Territory from the Southeast The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism wel- comes Southwest Airlines' announcement of new non- stop service connecting Nashville International Airport (BNA) with Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, further strengthening the Territory's airlift network and expanding access from the U.S. mainland. Beginning March 13, 2027, the new route will oper- ate on Saturdays, providing travelers from Nashville, Tennessee and communities throughout the broader Southeast with a convenient nonstop option to St. Thomas. The service adds another important connec- tion to the Territory's growing network of U.S. gate- ways and supports the Department of Tourism's con- tinued efforts to expand airlift from high-value and emerging markets. "We are thrilled to welcome Southwest Airlines' announcement of new nonstop service from Nashville to St. Thomas," said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King. "This route gives travelers across Nashville and the broader Southeast a more convenient way to experience the U.S. Virgin Islands while opening the door to a market with significant growth potential. Strong, reliable airlift is fundamental to the continued growth of our tourism economy, and we are proud to welcome Southwest's continued investment in con- necting more travelers with our islands." The Nashville service represents another expansion of Southwest Airlines' presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands following the launch of service to St. Thomas in February 2026. Southwest currently connects St. Thomas with Orlando and Baltimore/-Washington, adding to the Territory's network of mainland markets. The addition of Nashville further diversifies the Territory's air service and creates new opportunities to welcome visitors seeking the U.S. Virgin Islands' dis- tinctive blend of Caribbean culture, natural beauty, beaches and warm hospitality — all without the need for a passport for U.S. citizens. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit VisitUSVI.com . ANGUILLA RANKED NO. 1 CARIBBEAN DESTINATION AND NO. 3 WORLDWIDE FOR FESTIVE TRAVEL BY VIRTUOSO West End places No. 8 among top festive destinations worldwide Anguilla's pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters continue to captivate luxury travelers, helping earn the destination the No. 1 ranking in the Caribbean and No. 3 worldwide for festive travel in Virtuoso's latest 2026 data. Anguilla has been ranked the No. 1 Caribbean des- tination and No. 3 country worldwide for festive (holi- day season) travel by Virtuoso, the leading global net- work of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, according to data presented recently at Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 in Las Vegas. Virtuoso connects more than 20,000 leading travel advisors with over 2,200 of the world's best companies such as hotels, cruise lines and tour operators. Bookings made through Virtuoso advisors deliver exclusive client benefits and represent a significant share of high-value luxury travel. The ranking places Anguilla immediately behind the United States and Mexico in Virtuoso's Festive Travel Top 10 Countries list, ahead of other highly-ranked Caribbean destinations including Turks & Caicos, St. Barts, Antigua & Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands. West End, Anguilla, also secured the No. 8 position among the network's top individual festive destina- tions worldwide. Virtuoso defines the festive period as Dec. 15 through Jan. 7. Overall festive sales for 2026 are pacing 56% ahead of the comparable period in 2025, with bookings up 65%, according to the network's intelli- gence presented during the annual event. "This ranking is a powerful validation of Anguilla's position as a premier luxury destination," said Jameel Rochester, Director of Tourism of the Anguilla Tourist