Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511108
49 B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com C A R I B B E A N C O R N E R U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2023-2024 CRUCIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals officially announced the 2023-2024 Crucian Christmas Festival dates. Taking place on the island of St. Croix, the annual celebration will launch on December 10, 2023, and run through January 6, 2024. "As we prepare for our first of three annual carnival cele- brations in the territory, I am excited and proud of the work that the entire Division of Festivals team has put in to create yet another memorable year in St. Croix," said USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte. Now in its 71st year, the Crucian Christmas Festival repre- sents the island's longstanding cross-cultural influence, combin- ing Caribbean, African, Spanish, and Dutch influences to show- case a unique experience like no other in the region. Residents and guests can expect to experience the traditional carnival events, including the beloved Princess and Queen pageants. Beginning January 1st revelers can kick off the New Year with a food fair, J'ouvert, and a return of the Village Nights featuring performances from top global and local musical acts. Celebrations will culminate with a parade featuring thou- sands of masqueraders filling the streets of Christiansted and Frederiksted followed by a grand closing performance in the festival village on January 6. "This year, we are gearing up to go bigger and better for St. Croix's Crucian Christmas Festival," explains Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals. "We welcome everyone to join us for a festival season like no other." Travelers from the continental U.S. can travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport, with direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale; additional service is available from San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit www.visitusvi.com. ABOUT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an interna- tional marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeon- ing restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon depar- ture, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI. CTO'S NEW SECRETARY- GENERAL SHARES VISION FOR REGIONAL TOURISM Dona Regis-Prosper Cites Addressing Member Concerns And Delivering Value As Top Priorities (l-r) Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Tourism Organization; Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism &Ports, Cayman Islands and Chairman, Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, Caribbean Tourism Organization; and Rosa Harris,