USVIHTA Update | August 2021
Greetings Members,

Thank you for reading these and other important updates. Please remember to use the web link at the bottom to share with your teams.
LAST CHANCE to Provide Feedback on Sargassum Impact - Survey Link Below!
USVIHTA is calling on business owners to provide feedback regarding the socio-economic impact of Sargassum on the tourism industry. In an effort to secure federal funding for Sargassum mitigation, the association has released a survey to both member and non-member businesses in the territory aiming to gather as much data as possible.

“It is essential we collect ample feedback from businesses within the territory so we have the data to support our request for funding,” said USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton. “The financial repercussions of the Sargassum invasion over the last ten years have been substantial, and we need to act now.”

Business owners within the territory can take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Sargassum.

Since 2011, Sargassum events have resulted in excessive seaweed-stranding biomass, causing considerable damage to the environment, human health and the local economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region. Sargassum events continue to strengthen every two to three years with multiple contributing factors and ever-growing consequences.

If you have any questions about the survey, please reach out to Lisa Hamilton at lisa@usvihta.com or USVIHTA Environmental Committee Co-Chair Valerie Peters at blueflagusvi@gmail.com. USVIHTA thanks businesses in advance for their participation.
Looking for Great Employees? Join VISES for a Presentation on Sept. 2
Does your business have hiring needs? Join Island Therapy Solutions for the VI Supported Employment Specialists Presentation on Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. Read more below to learn about Island Therapy Solutions and its services, and visit www.islandtherapysolutions.com for additional details!
 
  • People with disabilities are one of the largest underutilized labor pools.
  • Island Therapy Solutions has created a unique transition program for high school students and adults with unique and varying needs. VI Supported Employment Specialists (VISES) helps our clientele prepare for, obtain and maintain suitable, competitive employment within meaningful careers.
  • One of the main goals of VISES is to build community-based business partnerships to provide these businesses with a dependable and talented pipeline to fill their immediate and long-term employment needs.
  • There is no cost to the business to participate.
  • The VISES team works directly with the client to provide them with on-the-job training and support.

RSVP with Shayne O'Rourke-Testa at SORourkeTesta@islandtherapysolutions.com.
 
Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 914 3820 6516
Passcode: 186619
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abirV6dWIu
Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your HTA Membership? Advertise with Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix Today!
Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix is a high-quality, full-color upscale magazine that will be placed on an EXCLUSIVE basis in the guest rooms of over 100 hotels comprising more than 5,500 rooms in St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix covering the vast majority of overnight visitors to the islands.

In order to generate more visitors to the U.S. Virgin Islands, North South Net, Inc. (NSN) provides the USVIHTA with a substantial print and radio advertising budget for use in USVI’s key airlift markets across the United States. NSN has also developed and funded a number of other programs with USVIHTA that will increase the number of tourists to the island.

By supporting our partnership with your advertising, you are supporting the USVIHTA, helping to increase the number of tourists to the U.S. Virgin Islands and providing these tourists with the means to make the best choices during their stay. Click here to learn all the reasons why you should make Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix your primary advertising choice for 2021/2022.

Inquire today by contacting Rachael Gunn Skywalker at 907-306-7969 or Rachael.visitusvi@gmail.com, Bobbie Bryan at 340-998-7025 or bobbie.visitusvi@gmail.com, or Garry Duell at 786-501-3434 or Gduell@northsouthnet.com.
USVI Businesses Benefits from Virtual Training on Google Business Tools
Businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands recently benefited from training sessions that provided tips, tricks and advice related to maximizing their presence on digital marketing channels such as Google and Yelp. More than 150 individuals from across the territory participated in the free Zoom sessions, which were sponsored by the USVI Department of Tourism and led by representatives from Miles Partnership, a strategic marketing company focused exclusively on travel and tourism. The virtual workshops gave participants an inside look at the workings of Google My Business, an Internet-based service for business owners, and presented practical steps businesses can take to make their online listings as effective as possible. Read more.

And don't forget, USVIHTA shares training opportunities weekly on Mondays! Keep an eye out for new training sessions like this one each week!

More local and regional news:
USVIHTA Members Donate Fans for Customs and Border Protection
In July, the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association met with Customs and Border Protection which expressed a need for fans in their facility at Cyril E. King Airport. Marriott Frenchman’s Cove generously donated fans, which will help with cooling and circulating air in the customs departure area. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas as well as Frenchman’s Reef Hotel have also purchased fans and are awaiting delivery. Thank you to our members for their assistance in making this area more comfortable for CBP employees and departing guests!
Association Health Plans Available Now through Elan
The Hotel & Tourism Association continues to work to identify great opportunities for our members. We've recently signed an agreement with Elan Insurance Group to offer Association Health Plans. Click the photo to view the PDF version in your browser. The PDF lets members know about:
  1. This great NEW benefit
  2. Who is qualified to receive it
  3. How to get started

For more information, contact Omar Andres Haedo directly at omar.a.haedo@elan.insure.
Save the Date
Click here to view upcoming events. And don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835