THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM SHOWCASES DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS AT THE CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION’S STATE OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (October 20, 2023)— The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, ventured to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC).
This year’s SOTIC, which introduced the organization’s new Secretary-General and CEO, Dona Regis-Prosper, brought together government and private sector tourism leaders from CTO member nations to collectively examine and discuss tourism investment and financing in the Caribbean.
“On behalf of the USVI, I congratulate and welcome Dona Regis-Prosper in her new role. I look forward to collaborating with her and the entire CTO leadership board,” said Commissioner Boschulte.
To begin the five-day event, member Ministers and Commissioners gathered for a series of meetings focusing on the theme “Invest. Innovate. Inspire – A New Model for Caribbean Tourism Growth.”
In addition to the minister meetings, Commissioner Boschulte participated in a destination-focused press conference. He shared territory updates on hotel openings, inter-Caribbean airlift, cruise, and events with local and regional media. The area of most interest during the presentation focused on the Department of Tourism’s new sports and entertainment partnerships, marketing campaign videos, and social media expansion.
In the final days of the conference, department staff members attended panels featuring industry leaders that focused on Tourism Investment and Financing in the Caribbean and Drivers for Caribbean Tourism Growth.
“The State of the Industry Conference was an enlightening and significant learning experience for me and the department staff,” added Commissioner Boschulte. “I firmly believe that the opportunity to connect and share ideas with other tourism leaders from throughout the Caribbean lends itself to collective regional growth that, in turn, benefits our territory.”
The USVI Department of Tourism rejoined the Caribbean Tourism Organization in early 2023 and has actively participated with representatives featured on panels.
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About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).