USVIHTA Update | August 2021
U.S. Virgin Islands Sells the Territory's Appeal to Travel Pros in the "Mile High City"
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is making inroads into the Denver, Colorado market, drumming up support and earning engagement from travel agents, meeting planners and media representatives during a special USVI presentation last month. Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte led the USVI team, which included Assistant Commissioner of Tourism-Marketing Alani Henneman-Todman and Virgin Islands cultural ambassadors, in encouraging travel professionals to “Reconnect with Paradise” and to experience “St. Croix: a vibe like no other,” the marketing tag line for the “Big Island.” Read more.

More local and regional news:
VIDOL Announces Workforce Development Forum and Hiring Opportunity
V.I. Department of Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy announces the Workforce Development initiatives scheduled for August led by the Workforce Development Division of the department. The following information is provided for the public to participate in the events. Some events are virtual and require prior registration.
 
Who:  VIDOL, Workforce Development Division
What: Employment Resources and Hiring Opportunity
Where/When:
 
The VIDOL looks forward to partnering with community members throughout the Virgin Islands, virtually, to gain more support in the restoration period as the territory returns to work safely. For information, contact the Workforce Development Division. Charlene Hodge at 340-776-3700 (charlene.hodge@dol.vi.gov) on St. Thomas or Tisha Lockhart at 340-773-1994 (tisha.lockhart@dol.vi.gov) on St. Croix.
Survey on Sargassum in the Caribbean: Incidence, Impacts and Management
The HTA requests member feedback via the below survey on the economic impacts of Sargassum. We have a meeting on Aug. 30 with NOAA to find federal funding to assist with research and mitigation, and require the financial impact numbers to support our need for funding. Please read the below and take the survey as soon as possible.

Do you live or work in the Greater Caribbean region? Do you have experience with fisheries, tourism, recreation or other coastal businesses? Do you have knowledge of coastal management? Have you experienced any seaweed or other algae blooms in the Caribbean?
 
If you answered YES to any of these questions, we want to hear from you!
 
Our team of researchers is conducting a survey to learn more about how Sargassum events and related management strategies impact people who live or work in the Caribbean region. As someone with strong ties to the Caribbean region, your participation will be valuable for us whether or not you have seen or experienced seaweed events in your area.
 
The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. Click on this link to take the survey: https://uri.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NLhaRYdjDAMI0S (available in English, Spanish, and French)
 
Please forward this survey to colleagues and friends who might be willing to share their thoughts on resource management, coastal businesses or Sargassum. For more information on the project, visit our project website: https://web.uri.edu/maf/2021/06/30/saragassum/. Read in Spanish and French.
Bryan Williams' Tip: WORLD Class Service
Providing world-class service is a conscious decision. It’s not something that can or should be begrudgingly done. It should be heartfelt, and make your customers feel like you are genuinely interested in their well-being.

So, how can this all be translated into action steps? We can go through the usual list that contains things like “smile, anticipate needs, follow-up on customer complaints, etc.” Even attentiveness, warmth and competency are fairly common action items. One thing that I’ve noticed that separates some of the best service from the rest is gratitude. Often times, the best service comes from people who exude a strong sense of gratitude.

These people are appreciative for not only having a job, but also are happy for the opportunity to serve others. It’s unmistakable. There seems to be an inner joy that may or not be reflective of their socio-economic place in the world. But the joy that they infuse into their service makes them seem abundantly wealthy. You almost look at them in awe. Even more beautiful is how they manage to make EACH customer feel uniquely special.

Takeaway: Acknowledge and celebrate those service superstars whenever you see them. Chances are that they don’t get nearly the type of recognition you might expect. 
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
Click here to view upcoming events. And don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835