Greetings Members,
Save the date for USVIHTA's Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Gallows Point Resort. Thank you to our sponsors Gallows Point Resort, French Quarter Bistro and VI ATM. More information to come regarding transportation and RSVPs, so be sure to mark your calendar!
|
|
|
Blue Flag and VI Clean Coast Eco-Certifications Working Together |
The VI Conservation Society (VICS) along with the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association (HTA) are pleased to announce that, after the extensive annual review process, three beaches have once again been awarded the Blue Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label promoting sustainable tourism and awarded to beaches and marinas worldwide who meet the established criteria of the program. The three beaches receiving this coveted certification are: on St. Thomas-- Emerald Beach Resort at Lindbergh Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas beach at Great Bay; Tamarind Reef Resort at Green Cay Beach on St. Croix. The Blue Flag certification is based on compliance with 32 criteria including environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services. The program serves to encourage authorities and managers to provide beaches and marinas with a certain level of environmental quality, cleanliness and safety standards for local populations and tourists. Read more.
More local news:
|
|
Veteran Hotelier Reflects on CHTA and the Caribbean |
An experienced Caribbean hotelier believes in the critical importance of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and the role it plays in representing and uniting national hotel and tourism associations and the region’s private sector. MPE's Bevan Springer caught up with former CHTA President Patricia Affonso-Dass during the 40th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) in San Juan, Puerto Rico last month. Affonso-Dass, the Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Barbados, spoke glowingly about the importance of the South Florida-based, Caribbean-focused body, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. From navigating critical issues in sales and marketing to developing the human resource needs of the region, CHTA plays a key role in Caribbean tourism development. Click here to watch a video with Patricia Affonso-Dass as she contemplates the future of CHTA, CTM and the Caribbean.
More regional news:
|
|
USVI Charter Yacht Show Kicks Off November 12-15 at IGY Marina’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas - Offshore Marine Named Official Sponsor |
The U.S. Virgin Islands Charter Yacht Show kicks off Nov. 12, and runs through Nov. 15, at IGY Marina’s Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas. Nearly 70 sail and power, monohull and multihull, term charter yachts with their professional crews will exhibit. Over 160 charter brokers from the Caribbean, U.S. and Europe will attend. Plus, local marine businesses such as Offshore Marine, the show’s official supplier of Inflatables and Outboard Engines, will be onsite to provide sponsorship and support. This four-day industry event, organized by the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), provides yacht brokers a first-hand opportunity to meet and greet the crews and yachts on which they will book visitors to the USVI on week-long, all-inclusive, crewed charter yacht vacations. The show also notably spotlights this key segment of the USVI marine tourism sector, which contributes upward of $88 million to the territory’s economy annually. Read more.
|
|
Bryan Williams' Tip: Power of Peer Accountability |
|
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:
- This great NEW benefit
- Who is qualified to receive it
- How to get started
|
|
|
Lisa Hamilton
USVIHTA President
340-774-6835
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
