USVIHTA

Update


September 4, 2026

 

Association Updates

ServSafe Certification Oct. 22-23 - Limited Seats

The St. Thomas – St. John Hotel & Tourism Association, in partnership with the University of Puerto Rico at Carolina, is pleased to offer FREE ServSafe Manager Certification and FSMA Food Safety Training for hospitality and foodservice members. The eight-hour training will cover essential food-safety practices, FSMA requirements and food traceability, followed by the two-hour proctored ServSafe Manager certification exam. Training will be offered on St. Thomas Oct. 22–23 at Westin Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef.


DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS OCT. 2.


PARTICIPANTS MUST:

  • BRING A LAPTOP TO THE EXAM SESSION (NOT FOR THE TRAINING SESSION) Cell phones, recording glasses, personal computers & iPads are not permitted during the exam
  • Register in advance and provide their full name and a valid email address.
  • Create or verify an individual ServSafe account before the certification exam.
  • Review the training materials and practice exam questions that will be provided before the course.
  • Confirm their exam language preference and any reasonable accommodation needs in advance.
  • Attend the eight-hour ServSafe Manager/FSMA training and then participate in a scheduled two-hour proctored ServSafe Manager certification exam.
  • Follow exam-security requirements.

Support the USVI Culinary Team as they Compete in Barbados this November!

We are pleased to announce CHTA’s Taste of the Caribbean event will be held Nov. 16 – 19 in Barbados. For 15 years, the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association has sponsored the USVI Culinary Team, a group of professionally trained chefs who represent our islands at the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition. The team, comprised of an executive chef, a pastry artist, bartender and junior chef, match their epicurean skills against other teams from the region in a quest for culinary superiority. Last year granted us an opportunity to reform our team and restructure our approach after a long hiatus. Now, in 2026, we're ready to claim our place in the spotlight and show the Caribbean our growth and resilience! Visit chtataste.com for more information on the competition. The team could not compete without the support of generous benefactors. Sponsors assist the team with travel and accommodation expenses, team jackets, fundraising events and competition supplies. The level of sponsorship is outlined below with benefits. If I can answer any questions don’t hesitate to contact me at 340-690-1635 or email lisa@usvihta.com.

 
 
 

Regional Updates

CHTA Opens Nominations for the 2026 CHIEF Awards, Honoring Excellence Across the Caribbean Hospitality Industry

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association announced that nominations are open for the 2026 CHIEF Awards, a program that recognizes member organizations delivering meaningful results and best practices that benefit the wider Caribbean hospitality and tourism sector. Winners will be celebrated at the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), taking place Nov. 16-18, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord's Castle Resort. CHTA members may submit nominations across six categories this year, including the new Guest Experience Excellence category, which recognizes the importance of continually enhancing the guest journey and responding to evolving traveler expectations. The categories are: Environmental Sustainability; Sales & Marketing; People Development & Support; Social Responsibility; Tech Transformation; Guest Experience Excellence (new).


As a valued CHTA Compliance Destination, our members are eligible to receive 10% off CHIEF registration by using the discount code: COMPLIANCE10. When accessing registration, the voucher code chief@bgi26 is used to gain access to the member registration site and unlock the member registration rates. Register now.

More regional news:

Carnival Corporation Strengthens Destination Partnerships Through Summer Ship Visits Across the ABC Islands

CTO to Launch Future Leaders Forum at SOTIC 2026

Blue Lagoon Island Welcomes “The Breakfast Club”: A Trio of Capybaras Join The Bahamas’ Premier Private Island

MPE Caribbean Report Newsletter - Aug. 31

Pasquines - The Week in Context in the Territories Sept. 2

FEMA Bulletin Week of Sept. 1

 
 
 
 

Member Features

Introducing Hotel 1829's New Rooms, the Long Step Cottages

Say hello to our newest home base on St. Thomas. The Long Steps Cottages have been completely rebuilt for 2026, keeping every ounce of historic charm while adding the modern comforts you actually want on vacation. Tucked right next to the famous 99 Steps and just steps from the main hotel, these cottages give you all the space and privacy of an Airbnb, plus the full service polish of a hotel behind you. Think air conditioning and ceiling fans throughout, generator backup power so the good times never stop, and a concierge and housekeeping team on call (provisioning available as an add on, because vacation shouldn't include a grocery run). Now booking for stays starting Nov. 1. Stays require a three to four night minimum, and kids are more than welcome.

Join Hotel 1829 for First Friday

 
 
 

Catch Up

What's Going on Wednesday


Updates from the Government of the Virgin Islands


Training Opportunities


Association Health Plan


Brochure Distribution Center at Airport Arrival Gate

 
 

Lisa Hamilton | USVIHTA President 

340-774-6835 | lisa@usvihta.com

www.usvihta.com | virgin-islands-hotels.com


View as Webpage

USVIHTA | 4002 Raphune Hill, Suite 304 | St. Thomas, 00802 VI