USVIHTA Update | October 2022
RSVP Today to Attend the First USVI Start-Up Battle Event
Join us on Oct. 27 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Prime at Paradise Point as five of the Virgin Islands’ top start-ups present their business ideas (shark tank style) for a chance to win $100,000 in investment. RSVP Today - startupbattleusvi.eventbrite.com. Startup Battle is a competition for aspiring entrepreneurs with dreams of launching a tech-based business and for early-stage tech startups seeking to accelerate growth. Throughout the competition, top participants develop their ideas with seasoned mentors and present to active venture capitalists from all over the United States. Because VI Crawl, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that uses media and events to promote cultural education, address social issues and bolster the creative economy of the Virgin Islands, we had to partner with Startup Battle to coordinate this epic event on St. Thomas. Read more.

More local news:
Moe’s Fresh Markets Sponsors 2022 USVI Charter Yacht Show – Nov. 12-15, IGY Marinas, Yacht Haven Grande St. Thomas
Moe’s Fresh Markets, the largest gourmet grocery retailer on St. Thomas and major charter yacht provisioner, will sponsor the USVI Charter Yacht Show for the fifth consecutive year, according to organizers, the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA). The grocer, with harborside locations on St. Thomas’ Waterfront and Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie, and Red Hook, along with its latest North Side location opening in early 2023, has provided long-time and stalwart support to the show even through a global pandemic. Read full press release here.

Charter brokers can register at usviyachtshow.org. Yachts can register now at usviyachtshow.org/register. 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.
Royal Caribbean's Michael Bayley Sees Calmer Seas Ahead
The chief executive of the world’s largest cruise line company is hopeful for relatively smooth sailing into the future as the company rebounds from the debilitating impact of the pandemic. Speaking at the 28th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference, Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, reported demand was very strong with ships sailing at strong load factors in the Caribbean. Bayley, who leads a global team of more than 50,000 employees who deliver memorable family vacations to millions of guests on over two dozen ships that sail to more than 240 destinations, admitted that profitability is still a challenge given the pandemic-related debt the company took on board. Read more.

More regional news:
Bryan Williams' Tip: Know Your Craft
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