USVIHTA

Update

November 17, 2023

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Save the Date for the USVIHTA Holiday Mixer

The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association is holding its Holiday Mixer on Dec. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Taphus Beer House. Join us for heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and mingling with colleagues during this joyous time of year! A Kmart gift card valued at $25 will be collected in lieu of an entrance fee. All proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Thomas/St. John. RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at lisa@usvihta.com.

LOCAL NEWS

USVI Hosts CHICOS 2023 Nov. 12-14

The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) was held this week at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef with hundreds of industry stakeholders in attendance. USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas General Manager Arjun Channa, USVI Economic Development Authority CEO Wayne Biggs and USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte participated in a panel entitled “U.S. Virgin Islands Investment” where they discussed how the USVI is performing and investment opportunities in the territory. Takeaways from the panel include: the USVI continues to be in the top five of highest performing destinations; the all-inclusive product is making a comeback, especially in the luxury market; investors are interested in limited service hotel investment; and the lending environment is being impacted by high interest rates with lenders preferring to lend to properties with a residential component. The regional summit, held Nov. 12-14, brought together several industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss important and trending topics in tourism and hospitality. Click below to read the CHICOS 2023 program. More photos here.

Other local news:

Weekly Briefing Features Announcement of Application for Federal Emergency Declaration

DPNR Awarded Competitive Grant to Conserve Freshwater Habitats

Sky High to Fly to St. Croix Starting Dec. 13

The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort Celebrates 27th Annual Coral Reef Swim Race Results

Humane Society of St. Thomas Giving Tuesday

My Brother's Workshop Giving Tuesday

REGIONAL NEWS

CHIEF 2023 Session Highlights Part 2

Cultivating Caribbean Culture: The Business of Festival Tourism - Caribbean festivals and heritage celebrations can enhance guest experiences and increase revenue, setting your business apart in the competitive hospitality industry.

TikTok Tactics: Unlocking TikTok Stardom for Your Hotel, Resort or Attraction - Unlock the secrets to TikTok stardom in this exclusive session, featuring a leading TikTok representative! Discover expert strategies to propel your establishment into the viral spotlight, captivate a global audience and leave your competition in the dust.

Other regional news:

Vanessa James to Host CMEx Leadership Awards Luncheon in Miami Dec. 2

MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter - Nov. 13

FEMA Bulletin Week of Nov. 14

Pasquines - The Week in Context in the Territories

Customer Service Tip

Apathy and Excellence

Two of the most important phrases in service excellence are, “I don’t know” and “Let me find out." As opposite as they seem, both phrases speak volumes about the service culture on a team. One wreaks of indifference, while the other expresses ownership and initiative. Apathy has no place on a high-performing team. However, morale soars when standards are high and expectations are clear. (Bryan Williams)

Catch Up

What's Going on Wednesday

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

Training Opportunities

Association Health Plan

Brochure Distribution Center at Airport Arrival Gate

MEMBER FEATURES

The Hideaway at Hull Bay Featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK) The Luxury Collection 2023

USVIHTA member The Hideaway at Hull Bay was recently featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK). The article highlights the unique beauty of the property and accommodations, amenities and more. Click the link below to read the full article on the National Geographic website.

U.S. Virgin Islands is the Caribbean’s Premier Maritime Destination – Season Kicks off for Boutique Fleet of Crewed Yachts at USVI Charter Yacht Show

It’s no wonder Caribbean Journal named St. Thomas the ‘Hottest Yachting Destination in the Caribbean’ in 2021. A full house of over 70 boutique-style charter yachts were displayed at the 2023 USVI Charter Yacht Show, held at Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas this past weekend. These professionally crewed yachts were open to view to 140 charter yacht brokers hailing from the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe who flew in to get a first-hand look at the fleet for the upcoming season’s bookings. The jam-packed show’s schedule reflected the strength and depth of the broader industry.