Teri Helenese urges sustainable tourism growth ahead of World Tourism Day 2025
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Teri Helenese, Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the U.S. Virgin Islands, is urging tourism to be harnessed as a driver of sustainable growth as the territory prepares to observe World Tourism Day on Sept. 27.
This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights the industry’s power to reshape communities through responsible practices. Teri Helenese said tourism must be seen not only as an economic engine but also as a force for cultural renewal, environmental protection, and social advancement.
“Tourism, when guided by sustainability and purpose, becomes one of the most powerful tools for transformation in our time,” Helenese said. “It is no longer just about travel — it is about impact. It is about how people, communities, and countries are transformed through shared experiences and mutual exchange.”
Tourism as a global force
Teri Helenese reflected on the global evolution of the industry, describing it as a shift from “the privilege of a few seeking personal enlightenment abroad” to what she called the largest voluntary transfer of wealth in history. The resources generated by travel, she explained, now flow steadily into developing regions, enabling small and fragile economies to achieve stability and growth.
She added that geography, once perceived as a limitation, has now become an asset for island territories. Remote destinations, she said, have become magnets for travelers seeking authenticity, peace, and immersion.
“Some of the world’s most remote destinations have been transformed into prized jewels in global tourism, offering not only beauty for visitors, but also opportunity for locals,” she said.
Helenese’s view ties into her broader advocacy for equity and fairness across the Virgin Islands, themes she addressed in her previous commentary on Virgin Islands colonial injustice, where she underscored how history shapes present-day struggles for sovereignty and identity.
Building infrastructure and livelihoods
TeriHelenese stressed the tangible benefits of tourism revenues, particularly in infrastructure that connects islanders to the wider world. She pointed to airports, ports and roads as critical investments that have been fueled by the sector. These projects, she said, open opportunities for entrepreneurs who might otherwise be cut off from international markets.
Community-based tourism, she added, is among the most promising trends. By staying in local homes, walking village paths, and participating in family meals, visitors are not only immersing themselves in culture but also directly supporting livelihoods.
“This is transformational change at its most human: intimate, respectful, and life-changing for the visitors and their hosts,” she said.
Tourism, Teri Helenese argued, has also breathed new life into cultural expression. Musicians, dancers, and artisans are rediscovering traditions once at risk of fading, while the demand for authentic cuisine has encouraged small-scale farmers and chefs to reimagine the flavors of the islands.
Responsibility in the face of growth
Even as she highlighted the successes, Helenese warned that growth must come with responsibility. Small island territories, she noted, are often the most vulnerable to climate change, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
Tourism has helped drive investments in resilience, she said, through disaster preparedness measures that strengthen infrastructure and protect communities. At the same time, the industry’s revenues are vital for conservation, ensuring that natural resources remain preserved for future generations.
“Tourists come to bathe in our azure waters, breathe our clean air, and marvel at our pristine landscapes. And through their presence, they can further help fund the conservation and regeneration of the ecosystems we hold dear,” she said.
Regional leadership and unity
Helenese also positioned sustainable tourism as part of a broader Caribbean identity rooted in resilience, collaboration, and empowerment. She connected her World Tourism Day message to remarks she made at the Caribbean POSH Weekend, where she emphasized the importance of unity across the region.
Her call at the event for greater Caribbean solidarity mirrors her push for regenerative tourism models that give back more than they take. “Tourism, when done right, is not just a journey; it is a transformative legacy,” she said.
A vision for the future
As World Tourism Day approaches, Helenese urged governments, businesses, and travelers alike to adopt policies and practices that ensure the industry uplifts communities while safeguarding the environment.
“On World Tourism Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to tourism that transforms, uplifts, empowers, and protects,” she said. “Let us champion a tourism that is not extractive, but regenerative.”
Her message, combining calls for sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, underscores the Virgin Islands’ positioning as a voice for responsible tourism within the Caribbean and beyond.
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