USVIHTA Update | September 2022
VIEDA Celebrates First Hotel Development Program Project with the Upcoming Reopening of Major St. Thomas Resort
The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA) celebrates the first Hotel Development Program resort project on St. Thomas. On Aug. 30, the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands ratified the Re-Development Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and CREF3 USVI Hotel Owner, Inc. (CREF3), the new owners of the Frenchman’s Reef Resort campus. In April 2021, CREF3 purchased shares from DiamondRock Frenchman’s Rock, Inc. to become the new owners and complete reconstruction of the property, which is now comprised of The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef and The Autograph Collection Resort at Frenchman’s Reef. Including the prior owner’s investment, CREF3’s total reinvestment is projected to be $428 million. The highly anticipated soft opening is set for Dec. 1, followed by a grand opening in the first quarter of 2023. Read more.

More local news:
St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Committee Meetings - Sept. 13 & Sept. 15
CHTA’s CHIEF Awards Open for Nominations - Deadline TODAY!
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has called for nominations for its Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) Awards, which recognize best practices in four areas: business operations, human resources, sales and marketing, and sustainability. CHIEF awards honor and celebrate successful practices which CHTA member hotels and tourism-related enterprises have adopted to improve the quality of tourism, the Caribbean’s major economic driver. The awards are open to all members of CHTA or one of the region’s National Hotel and Tourism Associations (NHTA), ministries or departments of tourism, travel industry partners, online travel agencies (OTA), travel Intermediaries, trade press, CHTA strategic partners and sponsors as well as the general public. Read more.

More regional news:
Coast Weeks Coki Point Clean-up
Bryan Williams’ Tip: Would They Rehire You?
If those whom you work with could rehire you as a teammate, would they? If those whom you lead could rehire you as a leader, would they? Would your colleagues choose to be on the same team with you? If the answer is yes, then why?

Is it because you’re helpful? Are you encouraging? Do you receive feedback well? Do you give feedback well? Do you look for ways to step outside of your immediate job responsibility? Do you value people’s input? Are you willing to share what you know? Do you help others feel seen and heard and valued and appreciated?

Ultimately, our lives should make a positive and meaningful difference in someone else's life.
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