The 21st Legislature of the Virgin Islands created the Department of Tourism on May 8, 1995. The Department is primarily responsible for the economic development of the Territory through the promotion of tourism and related activities. Other responsibilities include the formulation, implementation, administration and coordination of programs and policies pertaining to all aspects of tourism. The Department is under the supervision of the Commissioner of Tourism.
Activities conducted by the Department of Tourism include developing strategies that will make the Territory competitive and desirable as a tourist destination; communicating and cooperating with all local tourist or tourism-related businesses to determine their needs and how best to promote the industry; promoting Virgin Islands culture as a part of the tourism experience; promoting an understanding of the importance of the tourism experience; developing strategies for the U.S. Virgin Islands in all businesses and industries throughout the Territory; identifying and promoting the unique features of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island in tourism advertising; and, developing long-term strategies to successfully develop the overall economy.