Greetings Members,
Thank you for reading these and other important updates. Please remember to use the web link at the bottom to share with your teams.
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Register for CHTA's Virtual Marketplace
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Registration has opened for the region’s most anticipated travel trade event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Slated for May 11-14, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)-hosted event will be virtual this year. Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General, foresees a dynamic and robust gathering as “the world emerges from COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and the pent-up demand for travel fuels the revival of the Caribbean’s main bread earner, tourism.” Noting the advantages of a virtual conference, she asserted participants will be able to add more meetings to their schedules from the comfort of their offices, while saving on travel and accommodation expenses. Register here.
More regional news:
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VIDOL Hosts Employer Forums to Target Key Sectors of the Territory’s Industry |
On April 14, the V.I. Department of Labor hosted an employer forum to discuss Workforce Development programs that may address challenges faced by key sectors, such as tourism and hospitality. This candid discussion lead by Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy and facilitated by the new Workforce Development Leadership Team was an open forum with two sessions focused on the small business community represented by the Chambers of Commerce and then the Hotel and Tourism Associations. HTA members were able to share their needs during the meeting, and we look forward to working closely with the department going forward. Click here to view the Powerpoint presentation from the VIDOL meeting. Note the pages that list the financial assistance programs to employers. Read the full press release here.
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Carnival Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Offers In-Person Event for Vaccinated Patrons |
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism’s Division of Festivals will be offering residents and visitors one night to “fête” safely during the 69th edition of Carnival Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, which kicks off on April 26 and ends on April 30. As the territory continues to enforce safe health protocols and execute its vaccination initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of Festivals, in collaboration with the Department of Health, will host one in-person event to safely engage a select number of vaccinated residents and visitors in the carnival spirit on April 30 at 7 p.m. Read more.
More local news:
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VIDOL Updates on Services and Operational Changes for Unemployment Insurance |
The VI Department of Labor continues to give updates to help keep claimants informed as payments are processed for expansions or extensions made to the Unemployment Insurance benefit programs that were created to provide aid during the coronavirus pandemic. The VIDOL has taken a new approach to informing claimants April 19, 2021, after the Governor’s Weekly 1pm Press Briefing, VIDOL will continue to provide a LIVE Weekly Unemployment Insurance update. The VIDOL is sharing the following information to be explained in depth by the Unemployment Insurance Team. VIDOL has processed a total of 20,954 claims broken by district as follows: St. Thomas – 11,450, St. Croix – 6,076, Interstate – 2,215 and St. John – 1,213. Read more.
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DCLA to Host Virtual Public Hearing on Renewal of Liquor Licenses |
The Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (“DLCA”), hereby notifies the public of seven virtual public hearings to address community concerns on pending renewal applications for a Tavern Keeper A liquor license to conduct the proposed business activity listed as” 1st floor bar sales of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages” on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Pursuant to Title 8 of the Virgin Islands Code Section 13(c), DLCA may refuse to grant an application for alcohol license upon finding, after public notice and adequate hearing, that such refusal is in the public interest. DLCA invites all those property owners within residential areas, schools or churches that are 500 feet or less from the described locations, to present testimony either for and against the issuance of the aforementioned licenses to the DLCA. Read more.
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Association Health Plans Available Now through Elan |
The Hotel & Tourism Association continues to work to identify great opportunities for our members. We've recently signed an agreement with Elan Insurance Group to offer Association Health Plans. Click the photo to view the PDF version in your browser. The PDF lets members know about:
- This great NEW benefit
- Who is qualified to receive it
- How to get started
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Lisa Hamilton
USVIHTA President
340-774-6835
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