USVIHTA Update | August 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.
Feedback NEEDED - 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.
U.S. Virgin Islands Not Impacted by Tropical Weather System Grace
Business operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are uninterrupted following the passage of Tropical Storm Grace, which has now been reclassified as a depression, over the weekend.

The weather system brought rainfall, and had no impact on the territory’s tourism infrastructure, the Department of Tourism reported. Airports and seaports are open with normal operations. Read more.

More local and regional news:
VIEDA Launches Updated Online Application System for VIEDC Tax Incentive Program
To provide clients an opportunity for more direct, real-time engagement in the application process for the USVI economic development tax incentive program, and in response to client feedback and requests, the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) is transitioning to an updated online application system for processing these applications through the V.I. Economic Development Commission (VIEDC), according to Wayne L. Biggs, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the VIEDA. The new system, which is live as of Monday, August 16, 2021, remains accessible online at https://www.usvieda.org/apply. For questions or more information, please send an email to applications@usvieda.org, or call 340-714-1700, ext. no. 1611. Read more.
Travel Insurance in Today’s Pandemic World - Services for Hotels and Guests
AeroMD, a local USVI company and proud member of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association, and the Gowrie Group have partnered together to bring the most extensive Trip/Travel/Medical Insurance to the Caribbean with Air Ambulance services from a local, USVI-based company. “It’s really about providing a worry-free vacation and peace of mind for travelers,” says AeroMD’s Vice-President of Business Development Allan Adler.

“There are many travel insurance products in the marketplace today,” says Rick Bagnall, Senior Vice-President of the Gowrie Group – A Division of Risk Strategies. “But not all travel insurance is the same in protecting travelers, handling emergency medical situations and claims,” Bagnall says. 

For hotels looking to increase their reservations and occupancy rates, the plan provides an affordable option with primary medical coverage (no debating on who covers what) with COVID-19 covered as a sickness under Trip Cancellation (no need for CFAR – Cancel For Any Reason unless the traveler wants ultimate protection.).

A simple link on the hotel’s web page or future “API” for ease of use makes it easy for travelers to select this valuable coverage. Support is available for hotels with a direct line for help or to answer any questions. “We also provide hotels “Concierge Group Quotations” for larger groups, weddings or corporate meetings with a phone call to a single point of contact (not a call center) to streamline the process,” says AeroMD’s Large Group Sales Specialist Rick Moretti. 

AeroMD will be providing additional information next week and reaching out to members of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association via email. 

If you’d like to learn more and for your personalized review on the plans and services best for your hotel, resort or villa - - please contact:
Rick Moretti, AeroMD Large Group Sales Specialist
Cell, Text & WhatsApp Number: 720-250-8315
Bryan Williams' Tip: CONSISTENCY is Key
NONE of us were put on this earth to begrudgingly exist. No, we were put here to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of others. To be consistent is what we are called to be. To take pride in our work is what we are called to do. Don’t rely on your mood of the day to determine your impact. Like the wind, your mood will shift. But your impact can not - must not shift.

Anyone can reach or accomplish anything every now and then. However, “every now and then” doesn’t count. Consistency counts. Consistency demands perseverance, patience and passion. Even when you don’t feel like it, consistency has to win. Even when you’re not in the mood, consistency has to win. Even when you’re tired, consistency has to win. Otherwise, you and I have no right to expect anyone else to see value in us. We must see value in ourselves first. 

Takeaway: Value self. Value others. And leave positive evidence everyday.
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