USVIHTA Update | October 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.
U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Calls for Caribbean Cruise Collaboration
“One destination does not make an itinerary,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte as he highlighted the importance of greater collaboration among Caribbean destinations and cruise line partners to ensure the safe and successful return of cruises to the region. Speaking at the 35th edition of Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Boschulte said it is important for travelers to feel safe at every destination they visit, and working with other destinations is essential to ensure that happens. “There has to be a collaborative effort amongst us in the Caribbean on health protocols because if a destination does not have effective protocols in place, that impacts not only the ship but also the next destination as well,” he commented. Boschulte reflected that while the stayover sector performed well for the U.S. Virgin Islands throughout most of the pandemic, the destination and the region suffered a setback in the cruise sector. Read more.

More local news:
Do you know what to do when an earthquake occurs? Earthquakes can happen anywhere, which is why everyone should know how to protect themselves should an earthquake occur. Join the emergency management community on Oct. 21 to participate in International ShakeOut Day.

Every year, ShakeOut Day is the third Thursday in October and is a day of individual and community events featuring the largest earthquake drill ever, organized to inspire others to get ready for big earthquakes and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. What we do to prepare now before the next big earthquake will determine how well we can survive and recover. ShakeOut will occur in houses, workplaces, schools and public spaces at 10:21 a.m. local time on Oct. 21. 
 
Visit the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills YouTube page for resources designed specifically for:
  • Those with a mobility disability.
  • If you are in bed.
  • If you are near the shore.
 
Register at ShakeOut.org/register and be sure to include your family, friends and colleagues. Registered participants will receive information on how to prepare for earthquakes and what actions to take during and after the shaking, as well as other ShakeOut news and updates. You can also see who else is participating in your community at ShakeOut.org/whoisparticipating. For additional earthquake preparedness information, visit Ready.gov/earthquakes. Read more from the FEMA Bulletin.
USVI Small Business Resources October
Click here to view VI Small Business Development Center Resources for October 2021.
Bryan Williams' Tip: PURPOSE Leads to Excellence
The root word in excellence is "excel." To excel means to go beyond. Beyond what? Beyond expectations. And people rarely go beyond what they have to do, unless purpose is present. Purpose leads to passion, and passion leads to excellence. So if you consistently want to produce excellence, then focus primarily on the purpose (the deeper "why").

If you are in a leadership role, have regular discussions about the team's purpose and how each person's unique role contributes to it.

Takeaway: Purpose leads to excellence.
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