For Immediate Release
Source: United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Contacts:
Alani Henneman-Todman, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism +1 340 774-8784
ahenneman@usvitourism.vi
Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence +1 201 861- 2056
bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com
USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte addresses the FCCA
PAMAC Virtual Conference.
HEALTH AND SAFETY COME FIRST, AFFIRMS U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURISM COMMISSIONER
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (June 8, 2020) – The health and safety of residents and visitors are top priorities for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).
Addressing the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)’s Platinum Associate Member Advisory Council (PAMAC) Virtual Conference last week, USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte said that while the popular Caribbean destination entered the “Open Doors” phase of its “COVID-19 Path to a New Normal” last week, the rollout would be a careful one with continued adherence to hygiene and sanitization measures.
Commissioner Boschulte said that the Department of Tourism will continue to bolster its awareness efforts as his team strengthens dialog with cruise and airline partners concerning itinerary planning and public health protocols.
“We believe that our successful reintroduction into the leisure market is going to be defined by clear education and shared expectations among guests, residents and the business community,” said Commissioner Boschulte, affirming that health and safety measures will not be compromised.
Commissioner Boschulte, who last week also addressed the Territory’s Spring Revenue Estimating Conference, said that the unprecedented changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic are dramatically affecting tourism, however, he is seeing some bright signs on the horizon. “The continental United States will continue to be the top draw for future business (and) a steady flow of traffic is envisaged based on high interest and pent-up demand during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) shutdown,” he stated.
The return of airlift, the reopening of hotels and resorts, the resumption of the cruise industry, and the collective management of this public health crisis are factors that will affect the Territory’s recovery, he reported.
Commissioner Boschulte believes that COVID-19 remains the decisive factor. “The reality is that until the virus is under control and efficient systems are in place to restore confidence in travel, it’s simply too soon to tell when we can expect travelers to start booking again. The USVI is uniquely placed in that we are part of the United States and no passport is required for U.S. citizens,” the Commissioner added.
“As the U.S. Virgin Islands reopens its tourism industry to leisure visitors, we will continue to focus on protecting lives and livelihoods,” said Commissioner Boschulte.
“The road ahead will be challenging, but the Territory is no stranger to challenges. By working together we will make it through these difficult times, and journey through this period to a new day of normalcy,” he concluded.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram ( @visitusvi) and Twitter ( @usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). 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.
ENDS
