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
U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS WORKING WITH PARTNERS TO MAINTAIN VITAL AERIAL LINKS
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (August 19, 2020) – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has assured stakeholders that it is working closely with airline partners to ensure the Territory has ample airlift during and after the current restriction on leisure travel.
Effective today, accommodations providers are barred from admitting or checking-in leisure guests for 30 days, unless Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s order is lifted sooner. This is a part of the Territory’s firm public health response to the recent spike in positive Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte explained that even though the Territory was currently in the “Stay-at-Home” (Orange alert) phase of its COVID-19 response, airlift connectivity remains critical for travel to and from the Territory as residents, business travelers, flight crews, emergency personnel, and government guests with written authorization from the relevant government agency, are still permitted to travel.
All travelers, aged 15 and older, must complete the questionnaire at the USVI Travel Screening portal at www.usviupdate.com/travelportal, and those who meet the testing criteria are required to upload a COVID-19 test result.
Commissioner Boschulte said he was hopeful for a smooth reopening to leisure travelers when the latest 30-day “leisure lockdown” is suspended.
“We are hoping for another swift and seamless reopening to leisure visitors provided we can flatten the current curve,” said Commissioner Boschulte, adding that observing strict protocols, such as wearing masks and physical distancing, was critical in containing the community spread of COVID-19.
“We must work together to avoid further shutdowns, which will help to restart economic activity and generate important revenues and income for our government and our residents,” said Commissioner Boschulte, who voiced his appreciation of the airlines serving the Territory.
“We are blessed to work with some wonderful partners, who at a difficult time for us, continue to transport passengers to and from our islands and maintain critically important links to the U.S. mainland,” the Commissioner said, while also thanking the Territory’s accommodations partners for their unstinting commitment to the tourism sector.
Commissioner Boschulte declared that in these uncertain times, residents should not let their guards down “for one minute” and had to recognize the fact that “only together are we stronger and able to overcome the enormous challenges thrust up by this pandemic of biblical proportions.”
During the temporary lockdown, productive efforts are being channeled to review fall and winter schedules to and from the USVI.
The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands does not have the authority to open or close the Territory’s airports, as their control falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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
