Usvihta Membership

18/11/2024

The USVI team arrives in Miami to compete in the Taste of the Caribbean join us for updates 

17/11/2024

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (November 2024) – After a seven-year hiatus, the U.S. Virgin Islands Culinary Team is back and proud to represent the USVI at the Taste of the Caribbean in Miami Nov. 18-20. Chef Kerish Robles, pastry chef Azamat Sabyrkulov and bartender Putrice Bush have been honing their skills in anticipation of bringing home the gold in 2024!

For 13 years, the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association (USVIHTA) has sponsored the USVI Culinary Team, a group of professionally trained chefs who represent our islands at the annual Taste of the Caribbean competition. The team will compete against other Caribbean nations in a variety of timed challenges that test their ingenuity, presentation, showmanship and more.

“We have a spectacularly talented team representing the USVI this year. The 2024 team is comprised of dedicated professionals who have evolved their expertise in numerous settings spanning the globe. We are delighted to see what this group of brilliant and creative individuals will cook up at the Taste of the Caribbean competition,” said USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton.

The USVI Culinary Team is honored to welcome back chef Robles, who previously competed in the Junior Chef Competition at the Taste of the Caribbean. Born and raised on St. Thomas, Robles is a certified vocational education teacher, culinary mentor and an award-winning certified professional chef and culinary educator by trade, with over 20 years of experience in the culinary field. In addition to her numerous endeavors and accolades, Robles is currently developing the new culinary program for UVI CELL. When she has the opportunity to cook her way, she is known for preparing food with a twist, stepping outside the box, using flavors that are not as common and elevating everyday food items to a new level.

“Being a part of building up a home has always been the most exciting part of my career, and the most honorable decision I made in bringing my talents home to boost our community rather than using them elsewhere,” said Robles.

International pastry chef Sabyrkulov represents the USVI after embarking on a culinary journey that would take him across the world from his birthplace of Kazakhstan. Currently the pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, Sabyrkulov formerly held the position at The Ajman Saray, a luxury collection hotel in Dubai. He also worked as junior pastry sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal.

Sabyrkulov earned his hospitality degree from the Hospitality Management Professional Technical College in Astana, Kazakhstan, and was awarded first place in the 2016 World Skills Kazakhstan Pastry Competition. He specializes in cake artistry and chocolate.

Talented bartender Bush, self-proclaimed “city girl turned island girl,” started her career shaking and stirring in Atlanta. Four years ago, Bush began her journey as a professional bartender for The Buccaneer in St. Croix. She is passionate about connecting with people by offering memorable experiences through cocktails and conversation.

“Embracing the Caribbean culture while exploring new flavors and textures has been a truly unique highlight of my voyage,” said Bush.

Sponsors assist the team with travel and accommodation expenses, team jackets, fundraising events, student apprentice training and competition supplies. Thank you to the following for sponsorship: Platinum - USVI Department of Tourism; Gold: Captain Morgan and Island Designs Landscape & Storm Water Solutions LLC; Bronze - The Buccaneer, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef and VIYA.

The Taste of the Caribbean event, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, will be held in conjunction with the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum. Tourism and hospitality professionals along with public and private industry partners will gather to immerse themselves in Caribbean culture while attending meetings on trending and relevant topics.

About USVIHTA: The U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association is a not-for-profit corporation, which serves as the unifying organization for hotels, guest houses, inns, condominiums, campgrounds and other tourism-related business in the St. Thomas-St. John district of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

13/11/2024

Youth aged 13 years and older are invited to Teen Time at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum in Buccaneer Mall, St. Thomas, VI, on Friday Dec. 6 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for FREE - GRATIS - GRATUIT game play and a safe space to hang out and have fun!

Since its inception in Fall 2022, Teen Time has demonstrated its commitment to providing a safe and engaging space for teens to socialize, learn, and grow. Teen Time offers a unique opportunity for youth aged 13 and above to participate in game nights that support their social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs. This program is free of charge for both teens and their guardians, making it accessible to all families in the community.

Amber McCammon, Executive Director of Facilities and Programs at the Virgin Islands Children's Museum, shared her enthusiasm for the Teen Time program, stating, "Teen Time provides a safe and inclusive space for teens to socialize, learn, and grow. With math tutoring, life coaching, games, and immersive experiences, our goal is to provide holistic educational-social-emotional support in an informal learning environment that empowers teens to thrive and succeed."

Teen Time features carefully selected games that help teens develop analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills. By partnering with mathematicians from the University of the Virgin Islands and professional life coaches from Elevate-Wi, the program aims to create opportunities for youth to socialize and enjoy in-person gameplay. Gaming is one of the most promising educational program formats to quickly reach a large and diverse set of learners. However, as young people are required to spend a great deal of time on computers it is important to provide avenues for in person, hands-on interactive experiences via logic building games and interpersonal communication enriching social games that do not require electronics. The VICM aims to incorporate gameplay into informal Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and humanities, and Math (STREAM) based learning experiences while providing avenues for social and emotional expression and support.

The Teen Time team are seeking community partners that are willing to donate time or funds to support this important initiative. Sign-up to volunteer at: https://forms.gle/XqqdqkHkc9jKYkX6A and pledge your financial support of this important program at: https://forms.gle/ZSmVFyjxBxHjoP1G8.

For more information about the Teen Time program visit https://www.vichildrensmuseum.org/teentime

Youth aged 13 plus are invited to Teen Time at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum in Buccaneer Mall, St Thomas on Friday December 6th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm for FREE - GRATIS - GRATUIT game play and a safe space to hang out and have fun!

29/10/2024

Time is Running Out! The USVI Culinary Team Needs Your Support! For 13 years, the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association has sponsored the U.S. Virgin Islands Culinary Team, a group of professionally trained chefs who represent our islands at the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition. The team, comprised of a chef, a pastry artist, bartender and junior chef, match their epicurean skills against other teams from the region in a quest for culinary superiority. The competition has not been held since 2017 when the team brought home the SILVER, and this year we are going for the GOLD! In addition to winning silver overall, team members were awarded several medals throughout the competition, including Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year and Junior Chef medals. This year’s competition will be held in Miami, Florida Nov. 18 - 20. Sponsors assist the team with travel and accommodation expenses, team jackets, fundraising events, student apprentice training and competition supplies. The level of sponsorship is outlined document in the attached link. If we can answer any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 340-774-6835 or email Lisa Hamilton at [email protected].

https://files.constantcontact.com/4f592cb3201/d25e6544-1b57-4c7c-b320-bb3d8cedd214.pdf

24/10/2024

Introducing Lisa Hamilton, Regional Vice President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) for the 2024-2026 Biennium. Welcome, Lisa!🌟

Hamilton is the President of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association. She began her hospitality career in the US Virgin Islands as a Conference Services Manager at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel, later holding roles as Sales Manager and Regional Sales Director. In 2001, she joined Marriott as Director of Sales & Marketing before taking on her current role as president of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association in 2008.

Hamilton also serves on the CHTA Board of Directors and the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE), where she was president from 2012-2014 and 2021-2024. She has received numerous accolades, including the Caribbean Hotel Association Executive of the Year Award in 2017 and the Champion of Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Club of America in 2016.

We are thrilled to have Lisa Hamilton on the CHTA Slate of Officers and are confident her leadership will continue to inspire and elevate Caribbean hospitality and tourism!

04/10/2024

USVIHTA will hold its October Membership Mixer at the Margaritaville restaurant on Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Members will have time to mingle and network while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The association will also provide updates and hear from members. Please RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at [email protected]

04/10/2024

We are currently searching for a skilled and creative bartender to join the USVI Culinary Team at the competition in Miami, Florida Nov. 18 – 20. Do you employ a bartender with unique ideas and tasteful ex*****on? Would your business like to be recognized as employing the top bartender in the USVI, and potentially the Caribbean? If one (or more) of your bartenders has the enthusiasm and skills to go up against the best of the best, we encourage them to join us for the bartender competition on Oct. 17 at Margaritaville to see who will represent the USVI at the Taste of the Caribbean!

The winner will travel with the USVI Culinary Team to the Taste of the Caribbean in Miami, Florida Nov. 18 – 20. Participating in this regional event is an excellent opportunity to receive invaluable recognition and network with the most talented players in the Caribbean culinary scene! Visit chtataste.com for information on the event, and click link below to download the sign-up form for the bartender competition on Oct. 17. Return the form to Lisa Hamilton at [email protected] no later than Oct. 11.

https://files.constantcontact.com/4f592cb3201/7b3f4321-57ce-4cfa-affe-9b8f224c125f.pdf

20/09/2024

The St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association will hold its next Membership Mixer at The Brass Parrot at The Buccaneer on Oct. 11 at 5:30 p.m. The mixer will be held in conjunction with the certificate ceremony for the Caribbean Super Charged Service Trainings, which will take place from Oct. 7-11. Attendees will have time to network and hear updates while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine with a cash bar. We would like to thank Island Designs Landscape & Storm Water Solutions for sponsoring the mixer as well as The Buccaneer, Caravelle Hotel, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation, Company House Hotel and the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association for training sponsorship and support. Please RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 11!

23/07/2024

Hey! It's time to register for Taste of Two Islands 2024 on tap for Nov. 14! Please download Registration Form below to save and print. Complete and return to Yvette DeLaubanque at [email protected] by Sept. 15.

10/07/2024

Big weekend coming up at Sib's!

10/06/2024

Next Member mixer is June 20th. RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at [email protected]

08/06/2024

Magens Bay Authority is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Elliot 'Mac' McIver Davis Fitness Trail! Join us Friday, June 14th at 9 am, right over the bridge. 🌳🏃‍♂️

🔅Learn more today at www.magensbayauthority.org

24/05/2024

On May 16, 2024, Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism gave a keynote presentation at the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Annual Meeting.

To begin the presentation, Commissioner Boschulte shared that Expedia.com recently ranked St. Thomas as the number one trending domestic summer destination, a testament to the department's cross-collaborative efforts with its local partners.

In addition, the Commissioner shared tourism department updates, including cruise and airlift numbers that are trending to surpass pre- and post-COVID records, specifically noting March’s 26% year-over-year increase in airlift arrivals. The audience, consisting of members representing various businesses within the hospitality industry throughout the territory, previewed marketing initiatives, new brand updates, and promotional videos used internationally to showcase and attract visitors to the destination.

“As partners in tourism, we are always delighted to partake in the Hotel & Tourism Association’s annual meeting to share exciting updates regarding the territory's progress and the department’s ongoing efforts to continue pushing the USVI as a preeminent Caribbean destination,” shares Commissioner Boschulte.

The single-day event, hosted at the Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas, is the annual meeting for association members to review the annual report and create forward-looking initiatives. Highlights from the meeting included dialogue on progress for the territory in the hospitality space adding to
Commissioner Boschulte’s presentation with discussions around technological growth, artificial intelligence, workforce training, guest experiences, and destination authenticity.

"The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association is proud to have a strong collaborative public/private partnership with Commissioner of Tourism Boschulte and his team since the beginning of the Bryan administration,” said Lisa Hamilton, USVI Hotel and Tourism Association President. “Since taking the helm at the Department of Tourism, Commissioner Boschulte has spearheaded several projects and initiatives promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands regionally and globally. The association’s relationship with the Department of Tourism is essential in moving our Virgin Islands brand and businesses forward.”

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

16/05/2024

St. Thomas is the No. 1 fastest-growing destination this summer, according to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook.​
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Check out Travel Off Path's breakdown of the report: https://www.traveloffpath.com/10-fastest-growing-u-s-summer-destinations-revealed-in-new-expedia-report/
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03/05/2024

Register Now for CHTA's Caribbean Travel Marketplace!
Secure your spot at the 42nd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association May 20-23 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica. At the event, you'll have the chance to secure wholesale bookings, strengthen relationships with current customers, make new contacts, generate fresh sales leads, enhance hotel and destination visibility, and even introduce new projects and services. It's your time to shine and grow your business. Click below to register.

https://cha.teameventmanagement.com/team/onlinereg/tr_cha_2024/openreg_loginHandler.asp?mode=1

01/05/2024

USVI is number one! 🏆🏝️ Trunk Bay Beach on St. John was just ranked first among The World's 50 Best Beaches on the annual list curated by travel experts, influencers and enthusiasts.

With pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters showcasing its vibrant coral reefs, Trunk Bay offers a gorgeous display both above and below the water. 🪸

Learn more about this stunning beach situated in the Virgin Islands National Park: https://worlds50beaches.com/trunk-bay/

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30/04/2024

St Thomas Carnival peak weak is under way! 🎉

Carnival 2024 St. Thomas is off to an amazing start.

19/04/2024

USVIHTA Summer Employment Program Seeking Student Placement - Deadline is April 26. The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association’s Education & Training Committee is in its 21st year of the Summer Employment Program in collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor (DOL) and participating senators of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The objective of the six-week program is to provide a meaningful learning experience for Virgin Islands high school and college students while stimulating interest in careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Over the years, you have shared your enthusiasm and support of our program and its fundamentals. Your continued involvement proves your commitment to provide a positive outlet for the youth of the Virgin Islands. Click here to read the full letter to employers and call the USVIHTA to participate.