USVIHTA Update | July 2021
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.
USVIHTA Lorette Resch Scholarship Awarded to Third Time Recipient Omaira Rachid
University of the Virgin Islands senior Omaira Rachid is now a third time recipient of the Lorette Resch Scholarship, awarded by the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association’s Education and Training Committee. Rachid was presented with $2,500 in scholarship funds on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Marriott Frenchman’s Cove where she works in the activities department, expanding on her industry knowledge while in pursuit of her degree in hospitality and tourism management. With the support of Scott Derrickson, Marriott Frenchman’s Cove General Manager and immediate past chairman of the USVIHTA Board of Directors, and Sam Rey, owner of Host U Services and USVIHTA Education and Training Committee Chairman, Rachid has catapulted into the local tourism industry and is poised for a successful career. USVIHTA is honored to support Rachid in her career goals as she embarks on her final year in the program.
VIPCA Update: Requirements for Private Small Vessels Less Than 78 Feet (No Paying Passengers) to Enter the BVI
As confirmed through BVI sources, below are the PRACTICAL requirements for private small vessels less than 78ft (no paying passengers) to enter the BVI based on the most recent Public Health Order gazetted July 2 and the most recent COVID-19 entry protocols. Several vessels have successfully entered following these protocols. If your experience is different please let us know:
  • All adults aboard must be fully vaccinated.
  • Obtain an rt-PCR test or rapid antigen test 3-5 days prior to your intended travel date.
  • Each crew member must register on the Gateway Travel Application Portal https://bvigateway.bviaa.com/ (including uploading proof of vaccination, negative test results, etc., and paying Gateway Fee)
  • The following documents and details listed below should then be submitted to these two email addresses 72 hours ahead of desired entry date. immigrationinfo@gov.vg and gromney@gov.vg.
  • Vaccination cards for each person.
  • Crew List.
  • Intended arrival date and desired port of entry.
  • Maritime Health Declaration (attached)
  • Boat Registration.
  • Portal Approval PDF from the site for each person on board.

At this point, you would be waiting for a response email giving you permission to enter the BVI waters to your intended port of call. If your email is not answered and your time of the COVID test expiry is nearing, then you should start inquiring directly.
  • At the port of entry have copies of and be prepared to present again:
  • Standard BVI Customs and Immigration entrance papers ( Can be obtained on arrival)
  • Vaccination cards of each person.
  • COVID Test results taken within 5 days of arrival
  • Boat registration
  • Maritime Declaration of Health
  • Portal approval PDF copies.
  • A further COVID RAPID test will be done on arrival for every person over 5 years of age.
  • (Possible letter of confirmation of summer storage or work contract with BVI provider) would help.
CHTA Update: Global Travel Outlook from Travelzoo
CHTA strategic partner Travelzoo hosted more than 600 industry partners for a 2021-2022 Global Travel Outlook on June 29, 2021.
 
The data revealed several interesting trends:
  • Vaccinations are Key to Travel Recovery - 67% of our global members said requiring vaccinations to travel would increase their comfort level. 52% said high vaccination rates at the destination(s) they are visiting is important as well.
  • Members in the U.S. & Spain are Ready to Go - 76% of our global members are already traveling or ready to travel with little or no hesitation with our American and Spanish members leading the way at 87% and 83% respectively.
  • Caribbean is Calling – The Caribbean ranked in the top 10 destinations Travelzoo members across North America and Europe plan to visit in 2021 and 2022. Members in the U.S., Canada and France are most eager to visit the Caribbean.

Click here to view the complete infographic.
 
Click here to view the Global Travel Outlook session recording.
 
Travelzoo members are eager to travel in 2021 and beyond. We have the ability to influence their travel purchases with creative offers and content marketing.
 
If you're interested in reaching their audience, email sales@travelzoo.com.

More regional news:
Navigating Insurance Ahead of the New Hurricane Season and Storm Prep Aug. 12 - RSVP Today!
Join Smith Orloff & Associates, Theodore Tunick & Company and Marshall & Sterling Insurance as well as the Hotel & Tourism Association on Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. for a Zoom meeting entitled Navigating Insurance Ahead of the New Hurricane Season and Storm Prep. This meeting is intended to assist members with preparing for the forthcoming hurricane season prior to the event including what you need to consider for your property from an insurance standpoint and what plans need to be in place. Most importantly, you will also have the opportunity to ask “those questions” you might have of these experts. RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at lisa@usvihta.com. A link for the Zoom meeting will be provided closer to the event date. Click here to download the presentation. Thank you!
USVI Small Business Resources July Special Edition
Click here to view the Special Edition of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center July Resources.

More local news:
Bryan Williams' Tip: BE the Model
It's hard to go anywhere and see EVERY team member engaged and happy to be there. If the managers are not the primary models of the culture, it will be almost impossible to convince their team that the culture is worth buying in to.

Leadership Takeaway: The best way to cultivate the culture you want is to be excited about it AND let that excitement show in your words and actions. Everything else will flow from there.
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:
  1. This great NEW benefit
  2. Who is qualified to receive it
  3. How to get started

For more information, contact Omar Andres Haedo directly at omar.a.haedo@elan.insure.
Save the Date
Click here to view upcoming events. And don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835