U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS SHOWCASES VIBRANT MICE OPPORTUNITIES AT IMEX AMERICA
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – October 25, 2023 — The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) recently participated in the 12th edition of IMEX America, held from October 17 to October 19, 2023, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The USVI delegation made a significant impact, fostering connections and discussions with over 70 one-on-one appointments with groups, meetings, and incentive planners.
The USVI’s booth at IMEX America featured on-island partners, including The Westin in St. Thomas, along with three Destination Management Companies (DMCs): VIP Destination Solutions, Island Meeting & Incentives (IMI), and RED Hospitality. The collective presence of these entities, in collaboration with the Division of Festivals, left a lasting impression on attendees and generated keen interest in hosting events and meetings in the USVI.
The USVI delegation unveiled compelling opportunities for new groups and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business. Through a series of one-on-one meetings, the delegation uncovered a potential of over $2,000,000 in group room revenue, equivalent to more than 5,000 room nights. These promising leads are a testament to the growing appeal of the USVI as an attractive and unique destination for corporate gatherings and events.
To provide a taste of the vibrant USVI culture, the booth featured captivating Mocko Jumbies and cultural dancers. This cultural showcase added an extra layer of allure and authenticity to the USVI’s presentation, reinforcing its reputation as a destination that offers both business opportunities and rich cultural experiences.
Planners attending IMEX America expressed their enthusiasm for discovering new and distinctive destinations for their upcoming events. Notably, one-third of the future bookings secured during the event are scheduled for 2024, underscoring USVI’s growing popularity among meeting and incentive planners.
Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism expressed his optimism about the outcome of the event. He stated, “IMEX America provided a great platform for the U.S. Virgin Islands to showcase our world-class facilities, breathtaking landscapes, and the unique cultural experiences that our islands offer. I’m thrilled with the connections made and the keen interest generated in hosting events and meetings in our destination.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands, with its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and world-class amenities, stands ready to welcome the world for memorable MICE events in 2024 and beyond. For more information about hosting your event in the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit www.visitusvi.com.
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).
