USVIHTA Update | September 2022
Caribbean Chef Featured in Nissan’s Hispanic American Month Celebration
Award-winning chef Digby Stridiron from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands was recently selected to participate in a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by automobile manufacturer Nissan. Los Angeles-based Mercedes Rojas from Venezuela, and Jonathan Pérez, who holds Guatemalan-Mexican roots, joined Stridiron for the culinary celebration in “The Nissan Flavor Garage,” which recognized the history, culture and influence of Hispanic Americans. Stridiron, who prepared roasted red snapper with tostones, was billed in the promotion as an "Afro-Caribbean chef, with Puerto Rican roots," who specializes in what many call today "slow food," which consists of fresh, locally harvested, ingredients and proteins gathered from the sea. Read more.

More local news:
On World Tourism Day, CHTA Reflects on the Future of Caribbean Tourism
As the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) marks World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is reflecting on the significant contribution tourism has made to the socioeconomic development of the Caribbean while focusing on the challenges and opportunities the industry presents for the future. "Tourism has been the main driver in propelling Caribbean economies, creating new entrepreneurial opportunities; building upward mobility; broadening the skills and ingenuity of our peoples; celebrating and showcasing Caribbean culture, cuisine, nature and entertainment; and improving our capacity to rebound from crises and challenging situations," stated CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, who added that coming out of the pandemic, tourism stakeholders must utilize the lessons learned to re-imagine the current approach to Caribbean tourism. Read more.

More regional news:
Maho Crew Official Sponsor of 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show – Nov, 12-15, Yacht Haven Grande Marina
Maho Crew has been named the official apparel sponsor of the USVI Charter Yacht Show, according to organizers, the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA). Maho Crew will provide all attendees and VIPCA staff uniforms for the show, which is set for Nov. 12-15 at Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas. Additionally, the company will support the show by providing the yacht that wins the ‘Best in Show’ award with crew uniforms for the 2022/2023 charter season. Read full press release here.

Charter brokers can register at usviyachtshow.org. Crews can register for the Mixology Competition: usviyachtshow.org/mixology-competition/. Vendors can register for the Marine Expo with a VIPCA membership: vipca.org/brokers-associates-vendors-membership/. Charter brokers can join VIPCA at vipca.org/brokers-associates-vendors-membership to receive one free broker show registration in addition to many other membership benefits. Brokers can receive a 20% discount on accommodations at Bluebeard’s Castle by booking by phone at 340-774-1600 and giving the discount code ‘VIPCA Yacht Show.' For more information about the USVI Charter Yacht Show, visit usviyachtshow.org. For information about VIPCA and its programs, visit www.VIPCA.org, Email: info@vipca.org, or call 340-642-0656.
Bryan Williams' Tip: Three Lessons I Learned
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

Don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835