Archive for November 2015

Emerald Beach Resort, formerly a Best Western resort, is happy to announce that effective Nov. 19, Emerald Beach Resort became an independent hotel and is no longer affiliated with Best Western International. We are looking forward to focusing on being a premier destination resort, offering a variety of fun activities and continuing our successful wedding…

According to Webster’s Dictionary, hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors and strangers. Hotels are a service industry. Webster Dictionary defines service as the action of helping or doing work for someone. Service and hospitality go hand in hand. You definitely want to offer the best quality when someone is…

With the holiday season approaching, OSHA wants employers to remain aware that crowd-related injuries can occur during special sales and promotional events. OSHA has prepared the following guidelines to help employers avoid injuries during any event where large crowds may gather: Planning Where large crowds are expected, hire additional staff as needed and have trained…

Tommy Gala Committee: David Hall and Colleagues Honored at USVIHTA Tommy Awards & Gala University of the Virgin Islands President David Hall and nine outstanding individuals employed in the tourism industry were honored Nov. 14 at the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association’s 14th Annual Tommy Star Awards and Gala. Nearly 300 guests gathered…

The USVI Hotel and Tourism Association held its bi-monthly General Membership Meeting on Nov. 20 at Windward Passage Hotel. About 40 members gathered to hear a presentation from Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe entitled “An Overview of Our Plans and Projects Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2016 and Beyond.” As the Executive Director…

The USVI Culinary Team took home first place at the 11th Annual Taste of Two Islands in Yacht Haven Grande on Nov. 12. Teammates Michael Matthew, Tatianna Connor and Anthony Peets joined together to create Matthew’s Caribbean twist on shepherd’s pie. Matthew’s recipe called for sweet potato and plantains mixed instead of white potato, local…

The global hotel and resort industry is in for a surprising game changer in the hospitality and travel industry. The Merger of Marriott and Starwood is certainly making top news today. Earlier rumors about Hyatt taking over Starwood are now out. It’s Marriott International, Inc. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announcing today that…

*Article courtesy of www.businessinsider.com by Mallory Schlossberg and Ashley Lutz Millennials make up a crucial group of consumers. Ad agency Moosylvania asked over 3,500 millennials — defined as 20 to 35-year-olds — to select their favorite brands over the past three years. Great Questions, LLC helped rank the winning brands. These brands are the ones…

The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency celebrated its 5th Annual All Hazards Preparedness Expo on Oct. 23 on St. John and Oct. 24 on St. Croix and St. Thomas. The expo provides the community an opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness directly from representatives from local, territorial and federal agencies, businesses and first responders.…

Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the region’s largest and most important marketing event, scheduled Jan. 21-23, 2016 at the Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas is growing and reaching broader markets than ever before. CHTA has heard your requests for greater engagement and is expanding its outreach to include new tour operators, in niche and emerging markets.…