More than 80 high-profile media and travel agents attended the reception, from such reputable, top-tier publications as USA Today, The Washington Post, National Geographic Magazine, AARP, Body & Soul Magazine and The Washingtonian, with broadcast from Voice of America Radio Network and Associated Press Broadcast, among others. Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty provided the opening remarks and featured the USVI's St. Croix "Your Port of Solace" DVD. Additionally, key representatives from the destination spoke about the islands' new tourism initiatives, namely Director of Sales Loan Sewer, Randall Doty of Wyndham Sugar Bay and Paul Graber of Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Secret Harbour Beach Resort and The Buccaneer. Some Virgin Islanders living in or visiting the DC area, such as Jennifer Nugent Hill, Tanya Hill, Tina Comissiong, Ellington Robinson, Ruby Simmonds-Esannason, Rubio Esannason, along with Bryan and Lisa Williams also attended the event and were able to chat with agents about the USVI.

Located in the urban, downtown district of Washington D.C., The Park at 14th provided the exclusivity and trend-setting ambiance that the USVI was looking for, similarly to the approach taken with the destination's innovative, new marketing collateral. To add even more local flair to the event was The Park at 14th General Manager Sherwin Robinson, originally from St. Croix, who was on-hand throughout the evening to greet guests and reunite with local Virgin Islanders. Cruzan Rum cocktails and Caribbean inspired-cuisine were served, while the sounds of a Caribbean steel-pan band filled the space. Guests mingled with representatives from the destination and had the opportunity to learn of the many attributes that make the U.S. Virgin Islands one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. As a takeaway, guests received a gift bag chock-full of destination materials, including a Destination DVD, CD press kit, visitor's guide, USVI-branded t-shirt and a mini bottle of Cruzan Rum.

"Washington, D.C. is a key consumer travel market for the U.S. Virgin Islands," stated Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. "Our initiatives in this city round out a series of successful in-market events designed to promote consumer and media awareness and to drive potential visitors to the destination."

The Department of Tourism also secured booth space at the ACTS' Exposition Pavilion, where Caribbean Tourism executives and influencers were given the opportunity to learn more about the USVI. Additionally, representatives from the destination participated in a Gala Awards Dinner and a Rum and Rhythm Celebration, both of which provided notable promotional opportunities to spread tourism messaging and position itself as a favorite Caribbean destination among others.

For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, visit usvitourism.vi. 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.