HOLLYWOOD, Florida (August 30, 2021) — The U.S. Virgin Islands is ready to get down to business at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) taking place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida this week.
Leading the Territory's delegation are the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA), which are partnering to ensure that the interests of both public and private sector stakeholders are promoted and communicated to would-be investors.
The highly-anticipated annual investment conference features insightful information sessions and panel discussions, networking opportunities, and nearly 70 speakers, approximately one-third of whom are chairmen, chairwomen, CEOs or presidents representing various Caribbean hospitality and tourism brands and organizations.
“We continue to see strong expressions of interest in our destination, from both the leisure travel and business development perspectives. At CHRIS we have an excellent opportunity to capitalize on this demand through follow-up discussions and pursuing new leads,” said USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte, who added that the timing is right for stakeholders and investors alike to explore “all the fantastic business opportunities that await in the Territory”.
Today, Commissioner Boschulte will appear as a panelist in a session on public-private ownership collaboration, moderated by Annette Mark, president of the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies. USVIEDA CEO Wayne Biggs will speak about opportunities in the Territory during an information session on Tuesday.
Biggs also expressed enthusiasm about the summit: “We are ready to accelerate the attraction of decision makers from the hospitality sector by sharing the benefits, such as tax and economic incentives, that can be enjoyed from doing business in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In addition to supporting the conference as a patron sponsor, the Department of Tourism and the Economic Development Authority are jointly staffing the Territory’s trade show booth at the event, and exploring new leads for the Territory.
