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
Keisha Nelson, Marketplace Excellence +1 201 861-2056
keisha@marketplaceexcellence.com
USVI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM OFFERS VIRTUAL CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING, CAREER FAIR FOR TOURISM WEEK
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (May 17, 2021) – The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is encouraging existing and aspiring hospitality stakeholders to take advantage of free training being offered online this week.
In celebration of Tourism Week and this year’s theme, The Power of Travel, the Department will be hosting a virtual career fair and four online customer service training sessions.
“Tourism is our business,” said Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, “a fact that has perhaps never been made more clear than during this past year amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He continued: “We know the pandemic has been particularly challenging for those who rely on the hospitality industry for their income, and we hope everyone will take advantage of the opportunities offered by the career fair and customer service training sessions.”
Young people, students and those considering employment in the hospitality sector are especially encouraged to join the presentations.
“Nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals is of the utmost importance,” added the Commissioner.
The virtual events will be available to anyone interested in upgrading their customer service skills or exploring the hospitality sector. Industry stakeholders will share expert advice and offer participants a chance to grow their professional networks.
Tourism is the largest industry in the Territory, contributing an estimated 60 percent to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
“Our success in travel and tourism is a direct result of the commitment to excellence from every one of our industry professionals,” noted Commissioner Boschulte. “From taxi drivers to restaurant managers to tour operators and everyone in between, the professionalism and warm spirit of Virgin Islanders will be unmatched if we recommit ourselves to excellence.”
Speaking on this year’s theme, Commissioner Boschulte declared, “The power of travel is undeniable. It connects people, bridges gaps across borders and communities, broadens the mind, and enriches the soul. As we look beyond the pandemic, we remain focused on offering our guests unforgettable experiences that ensure their safety and the safety of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The virtual career fair will be held on the Zoom platform on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 2 p.m. Online customer service training sessions will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday and Thursday, May 19 and 20, 2021, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Virgin Islanders are also encouraged to participate in “Wear Red Day” on Tuesday, May 18. Red USVI-branded masks are available on a complimentary basis at the Department of Tourism’s offices across the Territory while supplies last.
In addition, the Department of Tourism will celebrate frontline health care workers on Friday, May 21 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix.
For further information contact Film Director Luana Wheatley at lawheatley@usvitourism.vi or 340 774-8784 ext. 2243; or Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Neelia Ross at nross@usvitourism.vi or 340 772-0357.
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
