U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association tag:usvihta.com,2012://1 2012-05-16T20:47:35Z Movable Type 3.35 Blue Flag Educational Events tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.525 2012-05-16T20:45:40Z 2012-05-16T20:47:35Z An educational day is planned for the islands of St. Thomas and St. John on Saturday, as part of the Blue Flag Program. VINE, or the V.I. Network of Environmental Educators, will host a series of environmental presentations at... An educational day is planned for the islands of St. Thomas and St. John on Saturday, as part of the Blue Flag Program. VINE, or the V.I. Network of Environmental Educators, will host a series of environmental presentations at the newly certified blue flag beaches. News 2's Erica Bivens has the story.]]> Taste of The Caribbean tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.524 2012-05-03T21:42:53Z 2012-05-04T14:28:05Z Taste of The Caribbean... Taste of The Caribbean Taste of The Caribbean ]]> Deloitte VI Ltd tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.523 2012-05-01T17:10:07Z 2012-05-01T17:12:34Z Deloitte VI Ltd. 9001 Havensight Ste. #13 Port of Sale St. Thomas VI 00802 Telephone: 340-715-2868 Contact: Michele Hyndman, President Email: mhyndman@deloitte.com... Luana Deloitte VI Ltd. 9001 Havensight Ste. #13 Port of Sale St. Thomas VI 00802 Telephone: 340-715-2868 Contact: Michele Hyndman, President Email: mhyndman@deloitte.com]]> VI Manufacturers Association tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.522 2012-04-11T18:08:00Z 2012-04-11T18:11:57Z VI Manufacturers Association P.O. Box 303488 St. Thomas VI 00803 Telephone: 340-774-2166 Contact: Jerry Woodhouse, President Email: sjbayrum@aol.com... Luana VI Manufacturers Association P.O. Box 303488 St. Thomas VI 00803 Telephone: 340-774-2166 Contact: Jerry Woodhouse, President Email: sjbayrum@aol.com]]> USVI Hot Deals tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.521 2012-04-05T19:36:42Z 2012-04-05T19:46:05Z www.usvi-hot-deals.com... ad-collage.jpg www.usvi-hot-deals.com ]]> Magic Ice tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.520 2012-04-05T17:47:19Z 2012-04-05T17:50:02Z Magic Ice P.O. Box 1210 St. Thomas VI 00804 Telephone: 340-422-6000 Contact: Kirsten Holmen, Manager Email: post@magicice.vi... Luana Magic Ice P.O. Box 1210 St. Thomas VI 00804 Telephone: 340-422-6000 Contact: Kirsten Holmen, Manager Email: post@magicice.vi]]> Take It Easy Boat Charters tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.519 2012-03-28T16:42:49Z 2012-03-28T16:45:47Z Take It Easy Boat Charters 9005 Havensight Mall St. Thomas VI 00802 Telephone: 340-677-6955 Fax: 340-774-6955 Contact: Dana Smith, Manager Email: dana@takeiteasyvi.com... Luana Take It Easy Boat Charters 9005 Havensight Mall St. Thomas VI 00802 Telephone: 340-677-6955 Fax: 340-774-6955 Contact: Dana Smith, Manager Email: dana@takeiteasyvi.com]]> Olga Gloves tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.518 2012-03-12T15:37:39Z 2012-03-21T10:58:05Z Olga Gloves 5143 Palm Passage Ste. #5 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Telephone: 340-776-4340 Fax: 340-776-4340 Contact: Bruno Gareton, Vice President Email: brunog@olgagloves.com Contact: Olga McGarry, Manager Email: olga@olgagloves.com Contact: Joe McGarry, President Email: joemcg@olgagloves.com Website: http://olgagloves.com/... Olga Gloves 5143 Palm Passage Ste. #5 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Telephone: 340-776-4340 Fax: 340-776-4340 Contact: Bruno Gareton, Vice President Email: brunog@olgagloves.com Contact: Olga McGarry, Manager Email: olga@olgagloves.com Contact: Joe McGarry, President Email: joemcg@olgagloves.com Website: http://olgagloves.com/]]> St. John Specialties tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.517 2012-03-12T15:26:15Z 2012-03-12T15:29:39Z St. John Specialties P.O. Box 252 St. John, VI 00831 Telephone: 340-775-6555 Fax: 340-693-8720 Contact: Pallie Gilbert, Manager Contact: Marcus Johnson, President Email: info@stjohnspecialties.com... St. John Specialties P.O. Box 252 St. John, VI 00831 Telephone: 340-775-6555 Fax: 340-693-8720 Contact: Pallie Gilbert, Manager Contact: Marcus Johnson, President Email: info@stjohnspecialties.com ]]> Starz Nightclub tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.516 2012-03-12T15:24:04Z 2012-03-12T15:26:03Z Starz Nightclub P.O. Box 305557 St. Thomas, VI 00803 Telephone: 340-775-9735 Fax: 340-774-8089 Contact: Jutta Davis, Owner juttadavis@gmail.com... Starz Nightclub P.O. Box 305557 St. Thomas, VI 00803 Telephone: 340-775-9735 Fax: 340-774-8089 Contact: Jutta Davis, Owner juttadavis@gmail.com ]]> Bluebio Diesel tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.515 2012-03-12T15:18:37Z 2012-03-12T15:23:45Z Bluebio Diesel 7411 Est. Bovoni Bay #103 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Telephone: 340-344-3081 Fax: 340-774-5252 Contact: Sean Morrison Owner/President Email: sean@bluebiodiesel.com Website: www.bluebiodiesel.com... Bluebio Diesel 7411 Est. Bovoni Bay #103 St. Thomas, VI 00802 Telephone: 340-344-3081 Fax: 340-774-5252 Contact: Sean Morrison Owner/President Email: sean@bluebiodiesel.com Website: www.bluebiodiesel.com]]> DHL Express tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.514 2012-03-12T15:11:26Z 2012-03-12T15:18:21Z DHL Express CEK Airport Ste #7 St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Telephone: (787) 402-1445 Fax: (787) 253-1344 Email: edgar.rodriguez@dhl.com Website: http://www.dhl-us.com... DHL Express CEK Airport Ste #7 St. Thomas, USVI 00802 Telephone: (787) 402-1445 Fax: (787) 253-1344 Email: edgar.rodriguez@dhl.com Website: http://www.dhl-us.com]]> Eco Serendib Villa and Spa Greens St. John Beaches tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.513 2012-03-12T15:07:21Z 2012-03-12T15:09:59Z Conservation Project to Combat Erosion Issues and Reduce Carbon Footprint ST. JOHN, USVI - February 21, 2012 - Eco Serendib Villa and Spa, a new eco-friendly, luxury retreat on U.S. Virgin Islands' St. John, has initiated a conservation program in... Conservation Project to Combat Erosion Issues and Reduce Carbon Footprint ST. JOHN, USVI - February 21, 2012 - Eco Serendib Villa and Spa, a new eco-friendly, luxury retreat on U.S. Virgin Islands' St. John, has initiated a conservation program in partnership with the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park to save the island's pristine beaches from the devastating impact of erosion while reducing the carbon footprint. The Eco Serendib Beach Restoration Project will re-introduce indigenous trees and shrubs, such as sea grape, at beaches throughout the island and is funded by Eco Serendib Villa and Spa. In addition to providing seed money to kick start the program, the Restoration Project will sponsor one tree per day of each reservation in the name of guests. Villa guests will have the opportunity to become involved hands-on with the green project should they wish and may also contribute directly to the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park fund.
vinp.jpg Gary Ray, Rafe Boulon, Joe Kessler, Harith Wickrema & Mark Hardgrove during initiation ceremony on 2-17-12. (Photo courtesy of Steve Simonsen)
]]> "St. John's coastline features some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world and is one of the most compelling draws of the island," said Mark Hardgrove, superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park. "However, over time the effects of erosion can be catastrophic. Thanks to one of the island's visionaries, native plantings will be brought back to offer protection, combat carbon emissions as well as bring welcome shade for visitors." "Our organization is committed to supporting our prized national resource," added Joe Kessler, president of Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park. "The Eco Serendib Beach Restoration Project is just the type of vital, privately-funded program we encourage and are proud to make a reality." Harith Wickrema, the visionary behind Eco Serendib Villa and Spa, fell in love with St. John upon his first visit. "When I debuted Eco Serendib last year, it was with the commitment that I would not only offer an experience melding luxury with green elements, but also give back to this amazing island where 2/3 of the land has been preserved as a national park," explained Wickrema. "I learned from Rafe Boulon, chief of the national park's Division of Resource Management, about the issue at area beaches. We're honored that we can be of service and hope this project inspires others to do the same." Wickrema, who is also president of Harith Productions and faculty member of Temple University's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, was recognized by Lodging magazine as one of the top ten hospitality innovators of 2011 in the area of sustainability for his efforts onsite at Eco Serendib Villa and Spa. He's also a past recipient of the Successful Meetings and Meeting News Greenest Planner Award. "We're thrilled to have the support of Eco Serendib in preserving our beaches," commented Boulon. "Harith actively sought out a way to contribute and his commitment to social and environmental responsibility is to be admired. Maho Bay Beach will be the first beach to benefit from the Eco Serendib Beach Restoration Project, with future work planned at Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Saltpond and Little Lameshur." Gary Ray, Ph.D., a restoration ecologist and proprietor of Virgin Forest Restorations, an eco consulting firm, has drawn up the plans and will oversee the Eco Serendib Beach Restoration Project under the guidance of the Virgin Islands National Park. "We'll be planting native trees such as sea grape, nothing nut, orange manjack, black torch and barbasco. The idea is to restore plant species native to the Virgin Islands while discouraging invasive exotics. Vigorous natives better control erosion. We will create areas of shade and new walkways to ensure foot traffic doesn't damage dunes," said Ray, who studies rare plants and is a former faculty member at University of the Virgin Islands. "Guests of Eco Serendib will also be able to participate in the efforts including tours, demonstrations and even hands-on planting, cultivating and irrigation." About Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park: The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park (Friends) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the natural and cultural resources of Virgin Islands National Park (Park) and promotes the responsible enjoyment of this unique national treasure. As the official private sector partner to the Park, the Friends is a membership organization that raises funds from individuals, corporations and foundations to support projects important to the Park and to further the mission. www.friendsvinp.org. About Eco Serendib Villa and Spa: Eco Serendib Villa and Spa, which celebrated its grand opening in November 2011, sets new standards for eco-friendly luxury on St. John in the USVI. With eight elegant suites, a full-service spa, organic "seed to plate" garden and all the amenities and services of an exquisite private residence, Eco Serendib offers a sumptuous and serene home-base. Green elements include solar panels, rain water harvesting, eco materials in design, energy-efficient appliances, grey water irrigation and more. Visit www.ecoserendib.com. About Virgin Forest Restorations: Virgin Forest Restorations is an ecological consulting firm that conducts research and biological surveys. A new spinoff business is Virgin Forest Nursery, a sustainably designed plant nursery whose aim is to bring home-grown natives to the ornamental trade and raise awareness of our native flora. Importation of exotic and native plants from sources outside our islands has brought pathogens and infectious insects to our islands as permanent residents, damaging our natural forest communities as well as the planted environments around our homes. This best-alternative source of native ornamentals will allow us to slow infestations from abroad while providing an ecologically-sound alternative. Paradise Cove Cottages tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.512 2012-03-05T19:30:49Z 2012-03-05T19:35:35Z Paradise Cove Cottages, LLC Email: paradisecoveusvi@gmail.com Telephone: (340) 626-0860 2GA Ridge Road Estate Nazareth, US Virgin Islands 00802... Paradise Cove Cottages, LLC Email: paradisecoveusvi@gmail.com Telephone: (340) 626-0860 2GA Ridge Road Estate Nazareth, US Virgin Islands 00802 ]]> Membership Benefits tag:usvihta.com,2012://1.511 2012-02-21T16:49:37Z 2012-03-20T16:36:37Z USVI HTA Hotel Member Directory: Access to hotel contacts in the USVI. USVI Hotel & Tourism Association gives you direct contact with our hotel membership by providing you with one (1) complimentary copy of our hotel directory. Send out your... USVI HTA Hotel Member Directory: Access to hotel contacts in the USVI. USVI Hotel & Tourism Association gives you direct contact with our hotel membership by providing you with one (1) complimentary copy of our hotel directory. Send out your own promotions, sales and new product line to your target market; i.e. general managers, food and beverage managers, purchasing managers, maintenance managers etc... USVI HTA Electronic Directory: Gain exposure as a first choice for future business. Your company listing makes it possible for the membership to view your business profile and contact information with a click of the mouse at www.usvihta.com Networking Opportunities: One on one access to hotel contacts. We hold bi-monthly networking events at our member properties and businesses. This is a great opportunity to get to know the Board of Directors, Hotel Managers and a variety of business owners from attractions, retails stores and restaurants. Education and Training Opportunities: We understand how critical training is to sustaining our valuable tourism product. USVI HTA offers several complimentary programs throughout the year to include: Legenday Service - Customer Service Training, ServSafe Food & Beverage Training, Legal Seminars, Summer Employment Program, OSHA, DPNR and more… Industry Updates: Get the “heads-up” on seasonal airline capacity updates and monthly hotel occupancies. This report is updated on a continuous basis and is available in the “Members Only” section on the USVI HTA website. Marketing Opportunities: CMI – Cooperative Marketing Initiative started in 2004 to address destination marketing for the Territory. The Pay-To-Play program offers you website exposure with a direct link to your url, inclusion in all collateral distributed at tradeshows, sales calls and reservation center trainings – over 40 events per year and access to all databases generated from our website promotions, cruise conversion program and aforementioned shows. Destination Symposium: Destination Symposium is the premier marketing event of the US Virgin Islands and for the past 18 years it has been touted as the best in the Caribbean - one day of business meetings, where buyers and suppliers are matched for one on one appointments. The business appointments set the tone of vacation packaging over the next year. We offer one day of industry presentations by the Department of Tourism, Activities and Attractions and HTA’s Cooperative Marketing Initiative (CMI). Our magnificent resorts offer a specialty theme dinner nightly to showcase the latest in culinary cuisine. Our buyers also have time for site inspections so we are sure they experience everything our members have to offer. Testimonial from Debra Quaid – Owner/Operator VI Campground
"This event was tailor made for Virgin Islands Campground. It allowed us to chat, just for a short time, with giants in the industry when it comes to "marketing"
...and more: For details on USVI HTA's full portfolio of programs, please take the time to explore our website at www.usvihta.com Questions? Please contact Nicole at Nicole@virgin-islands-hotels.com, Membership Coordinator; 340-774-6835 ext. 21. ]]>