Caribbean hotels are losing out on so much direct revenue by over-reliance on third party channels. Third parties are an important part of your channel mix, but there are many other strategies that can bring direct bookings and loyal repeat stays without the heavy commissions.

Join us for an engaging discussion on:
  • Effective management with tour operators – understand your true constrained demand to see what inventory you offer
  • Understanding your true competition: it’s not local other properties; its island based. Seeing how to compete effectively knowing this is the case
  • Storytelling and brand strategies to ensure travelers see the true value of YOUR island, property and what makes it special and unique
  • Using tools like Shopping Cart Abandonment re-targeting “white glove” solutions on your Web site to ensure those lookers book on your site, not the OTA
  • Why with proper training and techniques, your call centers can be your best sellers vs. order takes that turn travelers into dates, rates and names

Moderator: Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director, Bay Gardens Resorts

Panelists:
  • Michael Stark, Enterprise Sales Consultant, NAVIS
  • Oliver Janke, Account Director, US South East & Caribbean, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
  • Marc Liu, Head of Strategy, Elmntl
  • Gitti Hernández, E-Commerce Manager, Casa De Campo
 
 FREE TO REGISTER FOR MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS!

Register here. Scroll down for link under CHTA Live: Resilience Series.
V.I. Department of Labor (VIDOL) Commissioner Gary Molloy invites employees, Human Resources (HR) Managers and supervisors to attend the Labor Affairs Summit occurring on Sept. 23 beginning 9:00 a.m. The topics covered will focus on COVID-19 policies and vaccination requirements in the workplace and employment practices in addition to other rights, roles and responsibility of jobseekers, employers and employees.
 
The following details are information on registering for the 2021 Labor Affairs Summit:
 
Who: V.I. Department of Labor & Federal Partners:
Labor Relations Division (Host),
         U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
VIDOL Division of Occupational Safety and Health,
VIDOL Division of Workers’ Compensation,
VIDOL Hearings and Appeals Unit
 
What: Labor Affairs Summit
 
When: 9:00 AM September 23, 2021
 

  • SCORE: Simple Steps for Starting a Business - Workshop # 3 Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. This is a 4 module workshop series that will take you through the basics of starting up a business. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves & work with the instructors you'll come away with a good understanding of the specific challenges & opportunities you will face. You will have a financial plan, a marketing plan, and an estimation of the funding you will need to get started. Workshop # 3: Marketing Your Business, Thurs. Sept. 23 - Online – 6:00 – 8:00 PM • Branding your business - Steps to creating your brand • Developing your marketing plan - Crafting a plan to communicate your marketing message • Marketing your business with social media - What you need to know to use social media effectively • Pricing your product or service - Learning to properly price your product for business success Please note: This Simple Steps is free of charge. Register here.
  • VI SBDC Webinar Tuesday with SBA on Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. COVID-19 Financing Capital, COVID-19 General Support, Other. Join SBA USVI Senior Area Manager Wayne Huddleston for a live Q&A session. Register here. Register through other dates through 2021 on the same page! Topics TBD.
  • SCORE: Simple Steps for Starting a Business - Workshop # 4 on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. This is a 4 module workshop series that will take you through the basics of starting up a business. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves & work with the instructors you'll come away with a good understanding of the specific challenges & opportunities you will face. You will have a financial plan, a marketing plan, and an estimation of the funding you will need to get started. Workshop # 4: Revenue & Profit Projections. Funding Sources Thurs. Sept. 30 – Online – 6:00 – 8:30 PM • Financial Planning - Why you need it - How to forecast your sales, costs, profits and assets • Understanding and using financial statements- 3 primary financial statements you need to know about • Finding financing Please note: This Simple Steps is free of charge. Register here.
  • Rescheduled! The Enterprise Zone Commission on Oct. 21 at 12 p.m. "Revitalizing our towns one building at a time" The Enterprise Zone Commission (EZC) was created to revitalize distressed communities that once were socially and economically vibrant. The authorizing act provides for tax incentives and economic development benefits free from regulatory barriers which inhibit economic growth, and also encourages collaboration among public, private and non-profit entities in order to accomplish the desired objectives. This webinar will focus on available programs and services available through the Enterprise Zone Commission available for businesses in the Territory. Join us for the informational session. Questions will be answered after the presentation. Register here.