Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/633921
B M & T ••• November/December 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 18 CARIBBEAN CORNER The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has launched a "USVI Travel Agent Specialist and Loyalty Rewards" program to drive travel agency bookings to the Territory. This educational training program, provided by Travel Agent University, equips travel agents with the tools, resources and rewards to familiarize themselves with the destination's unique offerings to sell to their clients. "We know the integral role that travel professionals play in pro- moting the U.S. Virgin Islands, so we developed this program to equip them with the necessary information to better sell our beau- tiful islands," said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program offers a curriculum that will help travel agents understand why the U.S. Virgin Islands should be a top-of- mind consideration for their clients. "Each of our three islands offers its own unique experience," said Nicholson-Doty. "If you are looking for authentic Caribbean culture and history, you will enjoy exploring St. Croix. St. John, with more than half its land protected by the Virgin Islands National Park, is the perfect place for an outdoor escape; while cosmopolitan St. Thomas offers top shopping, dining and nightlife experiences." The Commissioner said the Territory's unofficial slogan, "Virgin Islands Nice," epitomizes what the USVI is all about. "It refers not only to our pristine beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, but also to our diverse culinary experiences, deep history, culture, and of course, our welcoming people," she explained. Comprising 38,500 certified members, Travel Agent University is a leading professional travel community in the industry. To become a USVI Specialist, visit: www.usvirginislandsspecial - ist.com. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow them on Twitter (@USVITourism) and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens. TRAVEL AGENTS GET TRAINING TO SELL U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's leading hotel companies, continues to island-hop in the turquoise blue of the tropics. Recently, Choice's Ascend Hotel Collection announced further Caribbean expansion with the addi- tion of the distinctive 78-room Alegria on the southern coast of St. Maarten. Alegria is the 11th hotel property in the Choice Hotels Caribbean portfolio, joining the Ascend Hotel Collection member hotels quickly on the heels of ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas on Curaçao. Overlooking the ocean at Maho Bay and adjacent to Maho Beach, Alegria is an oasis where visitors can immerse themselves in world-famous white sand beaches and enjoy the excitement of watching airplanes land at Princess Juliana International Airport. The hotel is a short taxi ride from Philipsburg, capital of the island's Dutch side, and numerous beaches. "With its extraordinary location and high level of service, the addition of Alegria to the Ascend Hotel Collection elevates the portfolio like never before. This boutique-style property set in the middle of paradise offers guests a truly unique travel experience and convenient access to one of the most popular beaches in the world," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president of upscale brands for Choice Hotels International. "Each member hotel within the Ascend Hotel Collection provides a distinct and memorable experi- ence that brings the local culture to life. Alegria delivers on this promise in a truly special setting." Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information. CHOICE HOTELS' ASCEND HOTEL COLLECTION EXPANDS TO ST. MAARTEN Alegria Joins the Fast Growing Caribbean Portfolio BEVERLY NICHOLSON-DOTY