USVIHTA

Update

September 29, 2023

REGIONAL NEWS

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. 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. Looking to increase your exposure? Sponsor at CHIEF. Need more info? Email events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.

CHTA President Emphasizes Sustainability and Shared Prosperity on World Tourism Day

Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), cautioned that despite the significant progress and successes of the Caribbean tourism industry, stakeholders must not allow complacency to set in but keep public-private cooperation at the forefront of all development efforts. The respected Jamaican hotelier participated in the Caribbean virtual forum marking World Tourism Day. The event was a collaboration between the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and a consortium of regional and international entities, including CHTA. Drawing from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact of Caribbean Tourism report, Madden-Greig shared that the region can nearly double earnings from this industry by 2032.

Other regional news:

The Caribbean Should Lead in Sustainable Tourism Development, Declares CTO Secretary-General on World Tourism Day

CTO to Showcase the Caribbean at FIT Tourism Fair in Argentina

FEMA Bulletin Week of Sept. 26

CHTA Pays Tribute to Bahamas Cabinet Minister

Pasquines - The Week in Context in the Territories

LOCAL NEWS

New Public Moorings Now Available for Use in U.S. Virgin Islands Waters through VIPCA-USVI Government Partnership

The first phase has been completed in the installation of what will be a total of 200 new secure Helix-type moorings in bays throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. All 200 Moorings are anticipated to be ready for use by local and visiting boaters, both private/recreational and commercial, in the coming season, with completed moorings locations live now at boater.boatyball.com/map. The installation is part of a private-public partnership between the non-profit Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, designed to build the infrastructure necessary to support the marine industry, provide employment by maintaining the moorings and protect the territory’s undersea environment.

Other local news:

Green Waste Acceptance Temporarily Suspended at Bovoni Landfill

Department of Finance St. Thomas Office to Close Early on Sept. 29

Gov. Bryan Issues Statement on Settlement in JP Morgan Chase Epstein Lawsuit

USVI DOJ Achieves Historic $75 Million Victim-Supporting Settlement with JPMorgan - Video Statement from AG Ariel Smith

Virgin Islands Sailing Association Hosts the Coaching & Mentoring Women’s Sailing Course – Oct. 27-29

Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club Hosts Annual Kids Fishing Tournament – Sept. 30

Leadership Tip

There is something incredibly powerful about those who transcend the perceived limitations of their roles. The only limitation exists in their own mind. As you go about your day, be mindful of how you can enhance the positive impact of your role. Challenge your team to do the same. (Bryan Williams)

Catch Up

What's Going on Wednesday

Updates from the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Training Opportunities

Association Health Plan

MEMBER FEATURES

Operation Tropical Mindfall ($30 Per Person – Usually $109 Per Person) Sept. 30 at 2 p.m.

Tropical Treasure Hunt, the USVI’s leader in immersive entertainment, is excited to announce that it will embark on its first cruise ship contract with one of the world’s largest cruise lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines! The contract for up to 48 cruise passengers off the ship starts next week, and we want to get all our talented treasure hunt guides the training they need to continue to create our memorable adventures. Come find out why Royal Caribbean’s excursion team said that this experience was the "most unique excursion we ever tried." Watch the video trailer below and click the "read more" link for details on how to participate this Saturday at a discounted rate!

VICM Invites Community to Day of Play and Night of Play

Following the free Community Day of Play at the Virgin Islands Children's Museum, the public is invited to enjoy the sweet sounds of the steel pan at the VICM from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 30. Yard Vibes Steel Band will be playing as music lovers help raise money to add a steel pan to the museum's Music Exploration Exhibit. Tickets for the #NightOfPlay are $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. To save your space, email the VICM at vichildrensmuseum@gmail.com or call 340-643-0366 during operating hours to get your name on the list. Space is limited. Tickets get you in the museum for live music, small bites and drinks. Supporters will also be able to win raffle prizes donated by museum supporters and a Henna artist will be available. Visit the VICM's website for more information on the Day of Play and the Night of Play fundraiser - www.vichildrensmuseum.org/dayofplay. Join the Day of Play event on Facebook - https://fb.me/e/9iB8am13r.