Save the date for USVIHTA's Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Gallows Point Resort. Your $20 entry fee will go toward purchasing gifts for children this holiday season. Cruz Bay Watersports will provide ferry service from the Red Hook Ferry leaving at 5:30 p.m. and returning after dinner. Shuttle service will also be provided from the National Park Dock to Gallows Point Resort and back. Thank you to our sponsors Gallows Point Resort, Cruz Bay Watersports, French Quarter Bistro and VI ATM. Please RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at lisa@usvihta.com by Nov. 29. Click the flyer to the right to expand for more details!

More local and regional news:

USVIHTA member hotel Frenchman's Reef donated 50 turkeys this week at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Thomas/St. John in Oswald Harris Court. Working with families in need to ensure everyone has a joyous holiday season is an important part of our commitment to community outreach. We are grateful to Frenchman's Reef and Managing Director Kurt Wiksten for this generous donation, and look forward to continued celebrations with the children and their families. More photos here.

USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton attended the Paradise Jam Sponsor and VIP Reception at Paradise Point last week. Paradise Jam is a men’s and women’s basketball tournament held each year in November at the University of the Virgin Islands. This popular annual event is an excellent source of exposure for the U.S. Virgin Islands, promoting the territory as both a beautiful place to travel and a great place to hold events, meetings and more. This year’s Paradise Jam has a record 42 sponsors, 150 student volunteers and coverage on ESPN 3. More photos here.

The annual showpiece of the industry’s hard work in perfecting its craft paid off with a successful seasonal launch at the USVI Charter Yacht Show, held Nov. 12-15 at IGY Marina’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. Nearly 70 yachts, both power and sail, with uniquely qualified professional crews, were on show to over 160 brokers from over 100 charter businesses in the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe, which market the territory’s customized boutique marine vacations. Synergizing the destination of the U.S. Virgin Islands with its charter industry professionals, show organizers, the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Yacht Association (VIPCA), work year-round with several territorial departments and federal agencies. Key aspects of this work were the subjects of event seminars that updated attendees on government regulations and information on natural resources. A taste of local culture and history was also offered in the opening ceremony with Caribbean Ritual Dancers and with a panel presentation by historians and national park tour experts on the second day. Read more.

It means to go BEYOND what's expected or required. The word "excellence" must never be used arbitrarily or casually. It is a powerful and meaningful word that is rooted in honor for one's craft. You don't just stumble into excellence. It is intentional, purposeful, and requires extra effort.

For more information, contact Omar Andres Haedo directly at omar.a.haedo@elan.insure.