US Virgin Islands holidays: Visitors to be given $300 on arrival in 2017

As if a trip to the sunkissed shores of the US Virgin Islands wasn't tempting enough, holidaymakers can look forward to an added bonus if they visit in 2017: a voucher for $US300 ($A415).

The voucher can be claimed by all holidaymakers who visit for more than three nights between January 2 and December 31 2017 – though trips must be booked through official tourism website visitusvi.com. It can be redeemed against "Historical / Cultural Tours and Activities", arranged through a selection of local hotels.

The promotion will mark 100 years since 'Transfer Day', when the islands were handed over to the United States by Denmark for the princely sum of $US25 million. On March 31 every year, locals celebrate with brass band parades and traditional dishes that hark back to Danish rule ('red grout', a cinnamon-spiced guava, is a particular favourite).

Holidaymakers who visit in March will also receive a mystery "Commemorative Centennial Souvenir" – although we honestly have no idea what that could be.

So, what can you spend your dollars on? There is no specification on the website as to what 'Historical' and 'Cultural' activities might entail – although it's almost certainly not as dry as it sounds. Travel writer Nigel Tisdall was swept away by the islands' natural beauty and sense of fun when he visited in October 2015: think "topsy-turvy green hills rising steeply to more than 300 metres, glorious sandy beaches, limpid blue waters, an addiction to the joys of sailing, carnival and rum."

Meanwhile Caribbean expert Fred Mawer recommends the islands for "the beach, romance, families, watersports, nature, pampering, escapism." Basically all of our favourite things, then.

Given the choice, we'd spend our money on a kayaking tour of the coves of St John island, a snorkelling trip with the sea turtles of Buck Island, and an afternoon sampling the foodie highlights of St Thomas. It's little wonder that one USVI resident told Tisdall: "I've met Danes who are livid they gave up these islands". Who can blame them?

The Telegraph, London

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