Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1476179
B M & T ••• July August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 C A R I B B E A N C O R N E R U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS CELEBRATES LIFTING OF INTERNATIONAL COVID TESTING REQUIREMENTS The USVI Anticipates Rush of International Travelers as Last Hurdle is Lifted on Global Market As of Sunday, June 11, 2022, international travelers flying into the United States and its territories are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to fly into the country. The requirements were one of the longest standing hurdles for international travelers following the pandemic's onset in 2020. The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), as a Territory of the United States, are reminding travelers without U.S. passports that the islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas are now fully accessi- ble without COVID-19 testing. Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte discusses what the end of the testing require- ment will mean for the USVI. "Travelers from around the world can return to our beautiful and intriguing islands without any additional paperwork or requirements. We've been aggressively pushing our marketing strategy to focus on the overnight traveler. Additionally, we've seen a growing trend of extended stays since the Pandemic, and with summer travel in season, our international travelers can expect a collection of short term to extended stay accommoda- tions across all three islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas," he said. International interest for the USVI among industry leaders is strong and was apparent during IPW in Orlando, Florida, the nation's largest inbound travel show. The USVI partnered with the US Travel Association to highlight the territory as the ideal Caribbean destination for international travel with strategic branding throughout the conference, editorial placements, and a press conference hosted by the USVI with more than 200 international journalists attending. Now, with the testing requirement lifted, the USVI is poised to regain an internation- al market share with a push for new, unique experiences in the destination. Within the Territory, visitors can expect a range of accom- modations and experiences. The Lovango Resort and Beach Club is one of the latest properties to come on board as the first newbuild in more than 30 years, followed by the two new Frenchman's Reef properties - the Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman's Reef and The Seaborn at Frenchman's Reef, an Autograph Collection, coming Fall 2022. Major events are back this year, such as Taste of St. Croix, gathering more than 50 of the island's best-known chefs, specialty cooks, bar- tenders and baristas who serve a variety of recipes inspired by local traditions. St. John Carnival will take over this June 26- July 4 this year with an island-wide celebration that has gone on for 68 years. Additionally, the St. Croix Crucian Festival takes place in December to usher in the holidays with events, food fairs, horse races, and more. Already known as America's Caribbean, the end of testing requirements in the US, makes the USVI a top choice in the Caribbean for international travelers seeking restriction free travel. ABOUT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS The U.S. Virgin Islands are an official U.S. territory in the Caribbean that consist of three individual islands – St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands are rich with culture, history, surrounded by breathtaking beaches. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens can enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel as no passport is required for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the United States. Entry requirements for non-U.S. cit- izens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to isitUSVI.com, follow them on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI. NEW TOURISM CHIEF FOR ST. LUCIA A member of the St. Lucian Diaspora is the new CEO of the IPW Media Market Place Ribbon Cutting Sponsored by U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism photo credit: Dan Stevanovic U.S. Virgin Islands Dancers Celebrate IPW Media Market Place Opening photo credit: Dan Stevanovic