USVIHTA Holiday Party Raises $1450 for Boys & Girls Club

Thank you to our members for attending the USVIHTA Holiday Party on Dec. 5 at Taphus Beer House in Charlotte Amalie! Sixty-five members attended, contributing $1450 in donations for the Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands. All proceeds will go towards purchasing holiday gifts for children. We would like to thank our host Taphus Beer House for delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks. We also wish to thank beverage co-sponsors CC1, Frenchtown Brewing Company, Leatherback Brewing Company and St. John Brewers. Attendees enjoyed mingling with colleagues in Taphus Beer House’s newly renovated space, and also heard updates from the association and other members. Mark your calendars for the next Membership Mixer on Jan. 18 at The Hills, St. John. More information to come!

Blue Flags Raised on Dec. 1 for 2023-2024 Season

The International Blue Flag Program remains a primary focus for the USVIHTA Environmental Committee, and all three beaches in the territory that applied for certification for the 2023-2024 season were approved, including Emerald Beach Resort at Lindbergh Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas beach at Great Bay, and Tamarind Reef Resort at Green Cay Beach. The Blue Flag certification is based on compliance with 32 criteria including environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. The program serves to encourage authorities and managers to provide beaches and marinas with a certain level of environmental quality, cleanliness and safety standards for local populations and tourists. Blue Flags were raised on all three beaches in December.

CHTA President, Members Triumph at 2023 CMEx Leadership Awards

President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Nicola Madden-Greig, OD, received the 2023 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Award in Miami over the weekend. The awards recognize excellence and innovation in Caribbean communication and hospitality, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to sustainable tourism, community engagement and cultural preservation.