2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show Set for November 12-15 at Yacht Haven Grande Marina, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
New opportunities to network, learn, shine and certify all in a world-class venue are what yacht brokers and crewed yachts can anticipate at the 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show. Set for Nov. 12-15 and hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) at IGY Marinas’ Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas, this fall’s show is a ‘must-do.’ Register now! Yachts that register (vipca.org/vessel-registration/) by July 1 receive a 20% early bird discount. Charter brokers can register at vipca.org/charter-broker-registration/. Each VIPCA broker membership provides one FREE broker show registration. Brokers can receive a 20% discount on accommodations at Bluebeard’s Castle by booking by phone and giving the discount code ‘VIPCA Yacht Show.' Read more. Click here to view the flyer.
CHTA Calls for Region to Prepare Now for Projected Growth in Employment Opportunities
As the tourism sector rebounds strongly from the near shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling on the region’s “bread and butter” industry to ramp up efforts to be adequately staffed to meet the impending surge of arrivals and continued growth. Drawing attention to a recent statement from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) which predicts “a massive increase in global international inbound travel,” CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig noted that the Caribbean’s tourism sector must do more to source and train its own people to meet the industry’s growing labor needs. Read more.
Free Water, Less Plastic – Bottle Fill Station Arrives at St. Thomas Swimming Association
The Virgin Islands Conservation Society, in a partnership with the Department of Planning & Natural Resources, is continuing its community seed-grants with the VI Clean Coasts program. Established in 2018, VI Clean Coasts is a certification program for USVI businesses and organizations to become more eco-friendly through environmental goals and projects, consulting, and seed-grants. The original goal of the program was to eliminate single-use plastics in the Virgin Islands, but programs are custom tailored to environmental goals of each certified business. The St. Thomas Swimming Association, Inc. (STSA) reached out to VI Clean Coasts as they were interested in having clean drinking water at their location. The VI Clean Coasts grant was able to purchase the unit and partnered with the Rotary Club of St. Thomas East ECO which generously donated the installation of the unit and 50 reusable cups for students and instructors. Read more.
A New Addition to the Coral World Family is on the Way!
On Mother’s Day, May 8, Coral World Ocean Park announced to its Facebook followers that it is expecting a new addition to the Coral World family. Ping, one of the coastal Atlantic bottlenose dolphins living at Coral World, is pregnant! The staff is excited to share this news and looks forward to welcoming the new Coral World family member in approximately two and a half months. Coral World’s animal care team is paying extra close attention to Ping to ensure that she has the highest quality of prenatal care. Dolphins who live in human care have the advantage of excellent wellness and medical attention. All the dolphins as Coral World benefit from the extensive knowledge among the animal care team and the global shared body of knowledge. 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:
