Usvihta Membership

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.

18/04/2024

18/04/2024

USVIHTA will hold its Annual General Meeting on May 16 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Members will hear from the association and its board members on HTA and industry updates. USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte will also join as guest speaker. During the meeting, members will vote on the Board of Directors. Please check your April 18 email from us to view the 2024 Election Slate and to read nomination bylaws. Email [email protected] to RSVP. Maximum of three employees per business so we can accommodate everyone. Parking instructions will be sent in an upcoming email. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you May 16.

Please note: The Annual General Meeting is separate from our April Membership Mixer. We hope to see you at both!

12/04/2024

Save the Date for USVIHTA's April Membership Mixer!
The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association will hold its April Membership Mixer at the St. Thomas Sailing Center on April 24 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]

29/01/2024

(Press Release) – This summer, the U.S. Virgin Islands will be starring in Hot Ones Caribbean, the Caribbean version of the wildly popular US-based web series, produced by Complex Media.

Hot Ones Caribbean is part of a multifaceted destination marketing agreement between the USVI Department of Tourism and TEMPO Networks that includes content production, festival promotions and localized talent development designed to spark visitor interest in the USVI as a vacation destination. Hot Ones has won the 2018 Shorty Award for Best Web Series and the 2019 Webby Award for Food & Drinks.

Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism for the USVI, said, “We are proud to be a supporting partner of TEMPO Networks as it continues to expand and share entertainment centered in Caribbean culture.” TEMPO Networks currently broadcasts in 24 Caribbean islands, with approximately 5 million viewers as well as in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on cablevision.

TEMPO has also recently added to its current distribution platforms an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service, TEMPO+, that houses its 24/7 linear TV platform together with a vast array of video-on-demand Caribbean lifestyle content. The streaming service is a one-of-a-kind destination for all things Caribbean, including travel, music, cuisine, film and is accessible everywhere, on all devices and on all leading platforms.

As part of the partnership with TEMPO Networks, the USVI Department of Tourism’s participation in the Hot Ones Caribbean aims to target both the general market and the Caribbean diaspora market.
In addition, the launch of a Win-a-Trip sweepstakes will be offered to viewers of the content to win trips to the USVI. “This partnership supports USVI’s tourism innovation, focusing on the development of the single most important marketing tool in today’s competitive tourism landscape – content,” said Frederick A. Morton, Jr., founder, chairman and chief executive officer of TEMPO Networks.
“TEMPO is unmatched in the development of Caribbean content aimed at attracting regional and international visitors to our beautiful shores and I can’t begin to express how excited I am to partner with the USVI Department of Tourism in this ground-breaking initiative to place a spotlight on the destination I call home,” he added.
Hot Ones Caribbean will mirror the format of the U.S. iteration, with celebrity guests, born in the USVI or with significant USVI connections, being invited to eat chicken wings with increasingly spicier Caribbean hot sauces as they answer probing questions. The show will spotlight the breathtaking beauty of the islands, as well as its extraordinary culture and talent.

This season, the show features USVI Hot Ones such as Julian Jackson, Alexandra Swayne, Theron Thomas, DJ Avalanche, Alwyn "Daddy Jones" Baptiste, Gov. Albert Bryan, Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, Commissioner Joe Boschulte, as well as TEMPO Networks founder & CEO, Frederick Morton, Jr.

09/01/2024

It's an event many of us look forward to so mark your calendars. King of the Wings is a yummy annual tradition on St. Thomas. So if you love wings, save the date for June 8 for the 2024 competition at Brewer's Beach. Who will take the crown this year?

Last year's King of the Wing competition on Saturday, June 10, 2023, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands was an event to remember! 46 teams competed for the coveted crown, and a chance to represent the Virgin Islands at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Orchard Park, NY! Mark your calendars for K...

03/01/2024

USVIHTA Membership Mixer - Save the Date for Jan. 25!
The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association is holding its next Membership Mixer on Jan. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Hills, Saint John. Join us for hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary drink and a cash bar while networking with industry colleagues! Safari transportation will be arranged between the property and Cruz Bay. Please take the 5 p.m. ferry from Red Hook and we will take the 8 p.m. ferry back. RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at [email protected].

07/12/2023

St John's Honeymoon Beach is nominated for Best Caribbean Beach in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! cast your vote!

USVI’s Honeymoon Beach is nominated for Best Caribbean Beach in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! 🏝️🇻🇮

Show St. John some love and vote daily through January 1st: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-caribbean-beach-2024/

17/11/2023

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 [email protected]

14/11/2023

The holidays are coming and the Virgin Islands Port Authority presents holiday fests on all three islands each year. Such a fun way to experience Christmastime and community here in the USVI!

04/11/2023

We're thrilled to announce that the has been named a top Caribbean island by Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards! 🏆 ​
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With more than 520,000 travelers having shared their experiences, it's clear that our vibrant territory made a lasting impression. ​
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Thank you to everyone who voted for the ! Tap the link for more details on this latest ranking: https://www.visitusvi.com/press-release/us-virgin-islands-recognized-conde-nast-travelers-2023-readers-choice-award
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27/10/2023

Day 4 of the 27th Annual USVI Destination Symposium presented by the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association. The group said goodbye to St. Croix and flew back to St. Thomas for more site visits at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Secret Harbor and the Ritz-Carlton, where delegates also enjoyed a delicious progressive lunch throughout the tour. Then the group boarded a boat to head to the private island of Lovango Resort and Beach Club. Then it was onto St. John and Gallows Point Resort for site tour and final-night dinner at Ocean 362.

26/10/2023

Day 3 of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association's 27th Annual Destination Symposium took the group of travel industry partners to the island of St. Croix. The day included nine hotel site visits … and a lovely dinner at The Buccaneer. Transportation between St Thomas and St Croix was aboard Fly The Whale airline.

25/10/2023

Day 2 of the 27th Annual Destination Symposium presented by the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association kicked off with an overview of the Department of Tourism's marketing mission shared by Assistant Commissioner of Tourism Alani Henneman. Then industry buyers and sellers met in one-on-one sessions throughout the day. The finale was a tour and site inspection of The Hideaway at Hull Bay followed by delicious heavy hors d'oeuvres and socializing.

24/10/2023

The 27th Annual USVI Destination Symposium kicked off Oct. 23 at the Sunset Terrace at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef with the Governor's Welcome Dinner. Delegates from online travel agencies, airlines and other travel industry sellers are touring USVI hotels and resorts on St Thomas, St Croix and St John. The 5-day event is presented by the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association. Monday night's event was co-Sponsored by the USVI Department of Tourism and the Westin Beach Resort & Spa.

20/10/2023

CHIEF is Back 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 [email protected]

16/08/2023

The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association will hold our next Membership Mixer on Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Hideaway at Hull Bay. Attendees will hear association updates and have an opportunity to provide their own updates while networking with other members. Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided. RSVP with Lisa Hamilton at [email protected] We hope to see you there!

07/08/2023

The USVIHTA Education & Training Committee’s Summer Employment Program in collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor and participating senators of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands wrapped up its 20th year on July 28 with a certificate ceremony for students completing the program. 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. Participating students included: Omahri Allamby, Shirlyn Charter, Donnel Dominique, J’Nya Etienne, Tashanique Forbes, Amunique Francis, Jah’Niqua Gibbs, Kimarie Harrigan, Nikolas Homer, Jquan Innis, Janae Jackson, Deeneah Joseph, Joniah Julien, Shadeya Lidvig, Jaheria Louis, Jah’Kayda Maloney, Queeniquah Martin, Jenique Mason, Tileah Neal and Keigh Southwell. We’d like to extend our gratitude to Sam Rey for hosting the ceremony at Sun Rey Lounge in the Smith Bay Complex. Thank you to the following members for hosting students: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort; Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground; Diamonds International; Emerald Beach Resort; Gallows Point Resort; Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas; Secret Harbour Beach Resort; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas; and Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters. We’d also like to thank the Department of Labor and participating senators: Sen. Marvin Blyden, Sen. Dwayne DeGraff, Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory and Sen. Carla Joseph.

07/08/2023

Save the date! The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association will hold our next Membership Mixer on Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Hideaway at Hull Bay. Attendees will hear association updates and have an opportunity to provide your own updates while networking with other members. Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided. RSVP information will follow soon.

12/07/2023

The USVI Department of Labor is hosting a virtual Unemployment Insurance New Payroll Variation Tax Methodology Virtual Town Hall event. This informative session will provide valuable, updated information regarding the new tax system. Please take note of the following details for the upcoming meeting:
• Date: Wednesday, July 26th
• Time: 10 am-12 pm
• Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vidol-unemployment-insurance- employer-town-hall-tickets-661130207247?aff=oddtdtcreator
The virtual town hall will feature an informative session where attendees can gain insights into the new tax system and learn about the Employer Tax Portal. VIDOL is committed to a seamless transition and addressing any questions or concerns that may arise. For additional information or inquiries, contact the Unemployment Insurance Division at (340) 773.1994 on St. Croix or (340) 776.3700 on St. Thomas.