The U.S. Virgin Islands has resumed business operations following the passage of Tropical Storm Karen. The storm brought heavy rainfall, but had little to no impact on the territory's tourism infrastructure, the Department of Tourism has reported. The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix remained open with the majority of flights to St. Thomas and St. Croix arriving and departing as scheduled. All maritime and seaplane operations have resumed.

In partnership with Bacardi and MercyCorps, MicroMentor (a free and easy to use online platform for entrepreneurs to connect with experienced business mentors around the world) is offering the Caribbean Innovation Challenge 2019 as part of their efforts to promote economic recovery in the USVI after the 2017 hurricanes. The goal of the challenge is to support licensed small businesses throughout the USVI. The contest is free to enter and 25 winners will receive a cash prize of up to $5,000 USD. All USVI entrepreneurs are also invited to join the MicroMentor platform to find free mentoring in our global community. The Challenge launched on Aug. 15 and concludes on Sept. 30. Submit your application today ! If you have any questions, please contact the MicroMentor team at challenge@micromentor.org .

Working with public and private sector tourism partners in the Caribbean, The Bahamas and South Florida, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and its counterpart the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) have launched "Tourism Jobs for Bahamians" to secure temporary employment for these industry professionals. Read more .

The final week of National Preparedness Month highlights the importance of helping your community plan for and recover after a disaster. Connecting with those that share your neighborhood can improve communication, preparedness and recovery efforts. Neighbors are often immediate support following a disaster. Read more .

Expressing concern for the thousands of travelers, employees and businesses impacted by the closure of British travel group Thomas Cook, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) commended the region's and global tourism industry stakeholders for moving swiftly to support impacted travelers. The trade body also thanked industry partners for proactive measures to identify alternative opportunities for travelers who were originally planning to travel to the region through Thomas Cook this fall and winter. Read more .

Bartenders and mixologists from across the Caribbean are encouraged to apply to qualify for the 10th ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge (AGCC) on Feb. 23, 2020 in Trinidad. Caribbean entrants have until Oct. 10 to submit their written and video applications at https://angosturaglobalcocktailchallenge.com/how-to-enter , after which six of them will go on to the regional competition on Nov. 10 in Barbados. This competition is now open to USVI contestants. Read more .