Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401511
B M & T ••• July/August 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 39 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS , JAMAICA EXPLORE CARIBBEAN TOURISM "COOPETITION" The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is interested in collaborating with its Caribbean neighbors on tourism-enhancing initia- tives as the region's bread-and-butter sector rebounds from the adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking in the wake of a recent visit to Jamaica to meet with public and private sector stakeholders, Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, reported successful talks with Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and other private sector offi- cials about the potential for regional economic revitalization with the unleashing of pent-up tourism demand. Part and parcel of the recovery Commissioner Boschulte affirmed will be embracing "coopetition," a concept Minister Bartlett supports. "The Caribbean is the most desirable warm weather destination, and we know how to deliver world-class experiences for our discerning guests," said the Commissioner, who believes it is important to connect the best brains across the region to advance Caribbean brand marketing in the global marketplace. Commissioner Boschulte and Minister Bartlett agreed about the need to leverage the strengths of regional destinations to overcome any weaknesses, and both observed trends that had emerged over the past 15 months, such as the loyalty and resilience of urban African American pro- fessionals who have been key to the travel recovery in both destinations. "Regional collaboration is important to our success and we must con- tinue to share best practices, especially as they relate to public health safe- ty protocols even as the traveling community becomes vaccinated," Commissioner Boschulte said. The Commissioner added that "while we have made great strides curbing the spread of COVID-19, variant strains remain a cause for con- cern, and we must be vigilant on all fronts to keep our communities and travelers safe." Although summer bookings to the USVI are robust, the Department of Tourism continues to push forward on its marketing and promotional initiatives. "Even with this strong demand, we need to go to market and make the case that we can compete with the rest of the world any day, any week, any month of the year," said the Commissioner. The tourism chief reported that the USVI is stepping up its marketing efforts this summer to remain top-of-mind among travelers, many of whom are already planning their fall and winter leisure and business trips. About the U.S. Virgin Islands For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow them on Instagram @visitusvi and 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. WARM HOSPITALITY AND WARM WELCOME: CURAÇAO IS OPEN FOR SUMMER TRAVEL With A Record-Low Positivity Rate, Lifted Restrictions and an Island-Wide Hotel Promotion, the Caribbean Destination is Ready to Welcome Summer Travelers In preparation for a busy summer season with increasing demand from North America, the Caribbean island of Curaçao announced recently the latest coronavirus statistics, entry requirements and special offerings for travelers this season. Curaçao reports that 86,000 people of those eligible have been vaccinated, and over the past three weeks, docu- mented a record-low positivity rate of 0.15%. Considering these significantly reduced numbers, the nightly curfew was removed in June for the first time in over a year. On-island restric- tions have also been lifted with outdoor restaurants, bars and lounges allowed to operate at full capacity. Additionally, the airlift offered prior to the pandemic has resumed. Direct flights are available from major cities and airports including Miami (MIA) and Charlotte (CLT) via American Airlines and from New York (JFK) via JetBlue, making Curaçao an easily accessible destination. "Having gone through a difficult 2020, the hospitality and tourism industry is now making an aggressive comeback and travelers are eager to getaway this summer," states Paul Pennicook, CEO of the Curaçao Tourist Board. "Over the last 14 days, Curaçao has only seen 10 positive cases per 100,000 people. With an even bigger desire to serve our visitors, paired with new hotel deals and immersive outdoor adven- CARIBBEAN CORNER impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. of Tourism continues to push forward on its marketing and promotional initiatives. "Even with this strong demand, we need to go to market and make the case that we can compete with the rest of the world any day, any week, any month of the year," said the Commissioner. efforts this summer to remain top-of-mind among travelers, many of whom are already planning their fall and winter leisure and business trips. to VisitUSVI.com www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI 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. USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte (right) presented a portrait to and exchanged ideas with Jamaica's Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett in Jamaica.