The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is interested in collaborating with its Caribbean neighbors on tourism-enhancing initiatives as the region’s bread-and-butter sector rebounds from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking in the wake of a recent visit to Jamaica to meet with public and private sector stakeholders, Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, reported successful talks with Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and other private sector officials about the potential for regional economic revitalization with the unleashing of pent-up tourism demand. Read more.

Main Street Ribbon Cutting - Video

The Virgin Islands 20-year economic development plan, officially known as “Vision 2040”, was unveiled to the public on March 30. Since released, the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) has been diligently working on Vision 2040 in collaboration with public, private and non-profit partners. Vision 2040 is the most comprehensive economic development plan ever presented in U.S. Virgin Islands history. The 20-year plan provides recommendations for economic diversification to facilitate wealth generation and job creation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Behind the scenes, internal meetings and discussions have been ongoing to review next steps for the implementation phase. VIEDA is currently engaging with partners as lead to execute recommendations in Volume 6 of the Vision 2040 report. Additional efforts include releasing RFPs for a Global Marketing Campaign, Energy Sector Analysis and an Equity Capital Formation plan. Read more.

In response to various inquiries which CHTA has received from members and NHTAs, CHTA has adopted Guidance Notes on Key Health Safety and Recovery Matters. These are intended to support local efforts, recognizing that employer and destination policies will vary due to one’s own circumstances.

We’d like to hear more about the health safety policies and initiatives of employers and destinations for sharing of best practices to the overall benefit of the region’s tourism industry. If you wish to share your successful initiatives, please reach out to any CHTA staff member or contact us at: information@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

Atlantic hurricane season has begun. No matter what the hurricane season outlook predicts, it’s important to remember that it only takes one storm to devastate a community. Now is the time to prepare your home and your family. Remember, hurricanes are not just a coastal problem, so It’s important to know the risks where you live: rain, wind and flooding could happen far from the coast. Visit Ready.gov and consider these actions to start your preparedness today. Read more.

CHRIS is the leading and most noteworthy hotel investment conference for the Caribbean. CHRIS features fantastic networking opportunities and an extensive array of sessions and panels led by hotel and finance industry experts. We are all eager to get back to business and network with colleagues, friends and business partners. We at CHRIS/Caribbean and HOLA/Latin America plan to help jump-start our industry’s recovery with in-person conferences from August 30-September 2, 2021 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Hollywood, Florida and we are committed to doing it in the safest and most effective way for everyone. Read more and register today.

We cordially invite you to join us on the 1st Annual STT Cross-Island Challenge Ride to be held on July 3. The STT Cross-Island Challenge Ride is a bike challenge for serious bikers and family bikers alike. First of its kind to be held on St. Thomas, we will have a 20-mile “Tip of the Spear” bike ride for adults starting at 6 a.m. But the fun doesn’t stop there! At 8:30 a.m., our serious bike riders will meet our family riders/runners/walkers for a Family 5K parade down the promenade from Port of Sale to Crown Bay where we will meet up with Ella for refreshments, games and more! Registration is available online at www.cyclevi.org where you and the family can register to ride or donate to support Ella’s Hope! Over 300,000 little girls and women are affected by Rett syndrome worldwide. Ella Gaspard, a Virgin Islander was diagnosed with this devastating condition. And, this year, #WeRideForElla! Click here for more information as well as the sponsorship package. Click here to view the event flyer.

On Saturday, June 19th, 7 students from MBW Education will graduate with an accredited high school diploma (not a GED) from Penn Foster High School. The graduation will take place at 10:00AM at the St.Thomas Reformed Church. Senator Donna Frett-Gregory will address the graduates and attendees as the keynote speaker. Refreshments (provided by MBW Café and Bakery) will follow. Members of the community are invited to come and show their support. Please RSVP to communications@mybrothersworkshop.org or by calling 340.715.2765.

Organizers of the USVI Charter Yacht Show, the premier event in the U.S. Virgin Islands for charter brokers and crewed yachts to see and be seen, are pleased to announce that the 2021 show will take place Nov. 7 to 10, at IGY’s (Island Global Yachting) Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas Marina. In the five years that the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) has organized the show, it’s grown to become an outstanding opportunity for charter brokers to see an impressive display of term charter yachts in one location at one time, and for these vessels and their crews to be seen by the international broker contingent that book these all-inclusive yachting vacations. The show’s rising star matches the rocketing popularity of the destination and venue itself. In May, the U.S. Virgin Islands was named the ‘Caribbean’s hottest yachting destination’ by the Caribbean Journal. Last October, IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas Marina was named Superyacht Marina of the Year for the third time since 2016 by the prestigious UK-headquartered The Yacht Harbour Association. Read more.

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

Lift Me Higher. Push me, challenge me, inspire me. Accept nothing less than my absolute best. Don’t accept my excuses - my seemingly logical reasons for not doing it right the first time. Tell me that you expect more from me. Tell me that you believe in me, and treat me accordingly. Give me opportunities to grow, and expect me to succeed. Hold me accountable to your high expectations. Accept nothing less. You are a shaper, a molder, a curator of talent. As a result of you, my present and my future are that much brighter. Even when I don’t see it, you remind me there is more for me to do - more for me to accomplish... Insist on excellence. Refuse to waver. I believe in you, because you believe in me.