USVIHTA Update | December 2022
Greetings Members,

Thank you for reading these and other important updates. Please remember to use the web link at the bottom to share with your teams.
CHTA Thanks Partners as COVID-19 Threat Level Falls and the Caribbean Registers Record Arrivals
As a growing number of Caribbean destinations continue to set record tourism arrivals, expenditures and hotel occupancies, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) praised the region’s tourism industry, local government authorities and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for their vigilance and collaboration, which has contributed to the region’s recovery. CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig lauded hoteliers and tourism and health professionals for closely adhering to prevention protocols recommended by CARPHA in partnership with the association and regional governments. Such diligence, she noted, contributed to tourism’s strong recovery as well as CARPHA’s recent decision to reduce its COVID-19 threat level from “very high” to “moderate-low” for the Caribbean region. Read more.

More regional news:
DPNR to Offer Free Kayak Tours on St. Thomas
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources invites St. Thomas residents to join in the opportunity to enjoy our islands’ natural resources by exploring a wildlife sanctuary and marine reserve during a free kayak adventure beginning January 1, 2023.
 
“As part of our mission at the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage Virgin Islanders is to enjoy and appreciate all of our wonderful natural resources, we will be providing 200 FREE vouchers for a three-hour adventure of kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling with Virgin Islands EcoTours,” said Nicole Angeli, Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. 

 
To make a reservation, call Virgin Islands EcoTours at 340-779-2155 or toll-free 1-877-684-2441 and mention the phrase DPNR-DFW2023 or visit https://viecotours.com/. For more information, call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 340-775-6762 ext. 5201. Read more.

More local news:
Virgin Islands Children's Museum Announces Teen Time Dates Starting Today!
As 2022 comes to a close, we are so thankful to be a part of this community. We have formed important relationships and created avenues of support that will hopefully help the #VICM continue to grow. Our team is happy about what we've accomplished this year and one of the programs we're taking into 2023 is Teen Time!

We invite parents and educators to bring their teenagers to the museum for a night of fun and friends. Don't sit at home this Friday - get back into the swing of things and geared up for a new year! Did we mention Teen Time is FREE?

Email us if your group needs transportation to the #VICM, teentime@vichildrensmuseum.org.
Bryan Williams' Tip: Who is Recognition About?
If I want to make you feel recognized, then I should know what makes YOU feel recognized. It may sound like common sense, but I can assure you that it’s not common at all. Recognition is not about the giver; it is about the recipient. I encourage you to spend time with each of your employees (start with the hardest working ones) and ask:
  • What are their favorite hobbies/special interests?
  • What are their favorite snacks?
  • Do they like public or private recognition?
  • From whom do they like to receive recognition? (Don’t assume they always want it from you)

In the end, recognition is about serving those we want to celebrate. And service is not about the giver, it is about the recipient.

Takeaway: Invest the time to make your recognition meaningful, personal and memorable.
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

Don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835