USVIEDA Announces Launch of Global Marketing Campaign
As part of ongoing efforts to implement Vision 2040, the territory’s 20-year economic development strategy and action plan, the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA) has launched a global marketing campaign to attract new investment to the U.S. Virgin Islands in the target industry sectors identified in Vision 2040. Following a competitive bidding process, USVIEDA has contracted with OCO Global Limited (“OCO”), an international marketing firm focused on trade, investment and economic development, to devise a strategy that promotes the U.S. Virgin Islands as a premier business destination.
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CHIEF is Back! Join Us in Miami in November
Under the theme, “A New Era of Caribbean Tourism: Balancing Tradition, Technology, and Community,” CHIEF will be held Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon. “We want to emphasize the region’s commitment to embracing technology while preserving its rich cultural heritage and fostering strong community ties,” said CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, who reported that the conference will tackle issues and opportunities that are most important to the region, setting a course for wealth creation, business success and sustainable growth. The agenda includes topics that touch on technology and the future of tourism, people development and the next generation of tourism workers, celebrating and leveraging our rich culture to drive business, health and wellness, online marketing, ownership, purchasing, sustainability and more! Registration is open now with early bird rates available until Sept. 8. Looking to increase your exposure? Sponsor at CHIEF. Need more info? Email events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.
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FEMA Launches National Preparedness Month
Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign sponsors National Preparedness Month to encourage everyone in America to prepare for disasters and emergencies that could happen anywhere and at any time. All communities have access to the general readiness information available on Ready.Gov and Listo.Gov, which includes other messaging campaigns designed for specific populations. Last year, as part of FEMA’s ongoing approach to advance accessibility and cultural competency in boosting the nation’s preparedness, FEMA and the Ad Council created new PSAs developed specifically to reach Black and African American communities. The year prior to that, the theme was "Prepare to Protect" and was designed to resonate with Latino communities.
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Customer Service Tip
Be Someone's Advocate
More than complying with requests, more than anticipating needs, customers need to feel like you are "on their side." Simply put, they want you to be their advocate. Looking out for them. Suggesting services and products that will best fit their specific needs. Read more. (Bryan Williams)
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King of the Wing Winner the Tap Room/St. John Brewers Wins 1st Place at National Buffalo Wing Festival
Chef Isaac Buckner, of the Tap Room/St. John Brewers, won the 1st place trophy in the Sriracha category at the 21st Annual National Buffalo Wing Festival that took place over the Labor Day weekend in Orchard Park, New York from Sept. 2 to Sept. 3. The Tap Room/St. John Brewers was the 2023 King of the Wing winner in the Restaurant Division, and the team then earned the opportunity to represent the Virgin Islands at the national competition. The team, accompanied by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, showcased several island inspired wing sauces and were well received by the judges, food critics and festival goers alike.
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Yachtly Introduces New Charter Payment Platform, and Island Life Watersports Showcase at USVI Charter Yacht Show Nov. 11-14
Nearly half (41%) of Americans have a travel rewards credit card, with bonuses like air miles, according to a 2023 NerdWallet survey conducted by The Harris Poll*. Financial services sponsor, Yachtly, will host two seminars at the USVI Charter Yacht Show, Nov. 11-14, where they will demonstrate a multitude of cutting-edge features such as credit card booking by clients and easy tracking of multiple payments by brokers. Also, new this year is a Watersports Showcase within the Show, featuring the ZUP brand, in partnership with Island Life Watersports. The latest water toys will be displayed, with product demos and a Q&A session to help crews dial their best choice armada for floating fun. Seminars and demo sessions are two of many reasons that make the USVI Charter Yacht Show, hosted by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) a one-stop destination for brokers and crews to meet, greet and get the latest industry updates.
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Registration is Open! 50th St. Thomas International Regatta Set for Easter Weekend - March 29-31, 2024
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Crown Jewel’ of Caribbean Racing! Registration is now open for the 2024 St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), set for Easter Weekend, March 29-31, 2024. First held in October 1974, and started by St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) organizers to attract top international sailors to race in ideal sailing conditions, STIR continues to be the destination for world-class racing. The chance to trade tacks and tactics with professional crews and talented weekend warriors on professionally set round-the-island and round-the-buoy courses attracts first-timers and keeps long-time competitors coming back. What’s more, register also for the Round the Rocks Race (RTR), which will circumnavigate the neighboring island of St. John on March 28.
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