24/05/2024
On May 16, 2024, Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism gave a keynote presentation at the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Annual Meeting.
To begin the presentation, Commissioner Boschulte shared that Expedia.com recently ranked the St. Thomas as the No. 1 trending domestic summer destination, a testament to the department's cross-collaborative efforts with its local partners.
In addition, the Commissioner shared tourism department updates, including cruise and airlift numbers that are trending to surpass pre- and post-COVID records, specifically noting March’s 26% year-over-year increase in airlift arrivals. The audience, consisting of members representing various businesses within the hospitality industry throughout the territory, previewed marketing initiatives, new brand updates, and promotional videos used internationally to showcase and attract visitors to the destination.
“As partners in tourism, we are always delighted to partake in the Hotel & Tourism Association’s annual meeting to share exciting updates regarding the territory's progress and the department’s ongoing efforts to continue pushing the USVI as a preeminent Caribbean destination,” shares Commissioner Boschulte.
The single-day event, hosted at the Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas, is the annual meeting for association members to review the annual report and create forward-looking initiatives. Highlights from the meeting included dialogue on progress for the territory in the hospitality space adding to
Commissioner Boschulte’s presentation with discussions around technological growth, artificial intelligence, workforce training, guest experiences, and destination authenticity.
"The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association is proud to have a strong collaborative public/private partnership with Commissioner of Tourism Boschulte and his team since the beginning of the Bryan administration,” said Lisa Hamilton, USVI Hotel and Tourism Association President. “Since taking the helm at the Department of Tourism, Commissioner Boschulte has spearheaded several projects and initiatives promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands regionally and globally. The association’s relationship with the Department of Tourism is essential in moving our Virgin Islands brand and businesses forward.”
For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.