USVIHTA Update | May 2021
Board of Directors Elections in June – Two Appointed Seats Available
USVIHTA will be holding elections for the Board of Directors in June. There are two appointed seats available with the appointed individuals serving a one-year term. If you’re interested in one of the available seats, please submit a resume and/or CV for the board’s consideration to lisa@usvihta.com. Submission does not guarantee appointment, so please be sure to submit your information as soon as possible so the board has time to evaluate.
Member Feedback Needed ASAP on COVID-19 Impact - Please Send Today
The Hotel & Tourism Association has been invited to testify before the Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture regarding the overall impact of COVID-19 on member businesses as well as to give input on boosting the local economy and addressing health, safety and security concerns. Click here to read the invitation letter. We ask that you please email lisa@usvihta.com expanding on the below points as soon as possible so we may gather information and formulate testimony.

  • Overall impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on your business
  • Your input on boosting the economy, addressing health, safety or security concerns
Caribbean Travel Marketplace Offers International Buyers a Post-Pandemic Look at the Region
Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which runs virtually from May 11 to 14, is offering buyers from around the world a chance to refresh their portfolios as they prepare for the post-COVID-19 revival of travel and tourism. Vanessa Ledesma, acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), which hosts the annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace, said that this year’s edition will feature buyers looking for properties and experiences that meet the needs of post-pandemic travelers, many of whom will be vaccinated. Read more. Register here.

More regional news:
USVI Small Business Resources May
Coral World Ocean Park Welcomes Two New Dolphins to the St. Thomas Sea Sanctuary
On May 4, Coral World Ocean Park welcomed two coastal Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to their new home in Coral World’s St. Thomas Sea Sanctuary in Water Bay. The dolphins, Cavello and Nola, join the four current residents, Liko, Noelani, Sonny and Ping who have resided at Coral World since February 20, 2019. Cavello and Nola belong to the Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo. They were born in human care in Bermuda in an ocean environment and have experience with interactive programs. Coral World’s Animal Welfare Specialists have spent months in St. Thomas and with staff in Bermuda to prepare for their transport and arrival. General Curator Lee Kellar and Coral World’s consulting veterinarian Dr. Natalie Noll accompanied the dolphins on their flight to St. Thomas to ensure their wellbeing. Read more.
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