BVI Shines in Condé Nast Rankings, Climbs
The British Virgin Islands has been named among the top five island destinations in Condé Nast Traveller's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, rising to second place in the US edition and placing fourth in the UK Caribbean and Atlantic Islands list. New details from VINO show the awards drew 757,109 votes worldwide, spotlighted 47 properties across US and UK markets, and ranked Bermuda first in the US with a score of 94.82 while the Virgin Islands scored 94.59.
The British Virgin Islands has again earned international recognition in Condé Nast Traveller's 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, placing among the top five island destinations. The Territory ranked fourth in the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands category in the UK edition and rose to second place in the US edition, up from tenth in 2024, according to reporting by BVI News and Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
New context provided by VINO highlights the scale of this year's awards: the Readers' Choice Awards, now in their 38th edition, collected 757,109 votes from readers around the world. VINO also notes that Condé Nast Traveller spotlighted 47 properties across its US and UK brand portfolios this year.
BVI News earlier cited more than 182,000 reader submissions from the United Kingdom and the United States that contributed to the rankings. VINO reported the point totals behind the US standings, with Bermuda topping the US list with a score of 94.82 and the Virgin Islands coming in second with 94.59 points.
The jump in the US ranking — from 10th in 2024 to 2nd in 2025 — marks a significant rise in international reader sentiment toward the Territory. Several BVI resorts also earned recognition in the Best Resorts in the Caribbean and Atlantic lists. In the US list, Peter Island Resort placed 14th, Moskito Island ranked 22nd and Bitter End Yacht Club was 35th.
On the UK list, Rosewood Little Dix Bay secured seventh place. These placements, reported by both BVI News and VINO, underline the Territory's strength in luxury hospitality and island-focused experiences. VINO described the Virgin Islands as 'the official Sailing Capital of the World,' emphasising the Territory's warm weather, steady trade winds and clear, calm waters that attract sailors of all levels.
The outlet singled out Tortola for its reputation as the charter yacht capital of the Caribbean, a standing that supports the BVI's broader tourism offer. McCoy welcomed the recognition, saying the awards are 'a powerful endorsement from our guests, reaffirming the exceptional experiences we strive to deliver.' McCoy added that the accolades motivate the BVI to continue enhancing its offerings and maintaining its place among the world's most elite destinations (statement reported by VINO).
Local stakeholders say the international spotlight can lead to direct economic benefits. Higher rankings typically translate into increased visitor interest, which can boost arrivals, visitor spending and demand for services across the islands — benefiting hotels, marinas, excursion operators, restaurants, taxi services and small businesses that supply the tourism sector, BVI News reported.
At the same time, officials and industry leaders stress the need to manage growth carefully. Increased tourism puts pressure on infrastructure, local services and the natural environment, and leaders have emphasised investing in workforce training, environmental protection and hospitality standards to ensure economic benefits reach communities across the Territory.
The Condé Nast recognition adds to a strong 2025 for BVI tourism and gives local businesses momentum heading into the high season. Government and industry officials say they will work to convert the attention into sustained visitor growth while continuing efforts to protect the islands that make the British Virgin Islands a repeat favourite among travellers.
Primary source: BVI News