PDF - USVI Marketing

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www.VisitUSVI.com
The bimonthly publication of the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
CONTENTS / LINKS
About USVI Times 1
Tourism News You Can Use 1
Department of Tourism Update 2
DOT Extends Meeting & Incentives Promotion 2
Industry Spotlight 3
Small Hotel Update 3
Customer Service Center: Exceeding Your Customers’
Expectations? Why Bother? 4
Recent Updates and Highlights 5
USVI in the Media 6
Tradeshows 6
January Happenings 7
USVI Partner Updates 9
About USVI Times
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (DOT) created The USVI Times e-newsletter in June 2007 to help support our
local tourism industry partners and keep you informed about DOT activities.
Tourism News You Can Use
Recognizing the importance of keeping updated on the latest travel trends that
impact the USVI, the DOT would like to share these projections.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, 2013 promises modest growth:
• Domestic leisure travel is expected to increase 1.2 percent in 2013 — a new
record high — but the growth will be at a slower pace than during the past few
years.
• While business travel volume will slow significantly next year to less than one
percent, the number of business trips has grown steadily since the downturn in
2009, and is expected to see more positive growth in 2014.
• Total domestic travel spending, including leisure and business travel, will
increase three percent.
For additional forecast information from US Travel Association, click here.
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Department of Tourism Update
DOT Launches Two Promotions and Brand Refresh to
Boost Business in the New Year
experiences with friends and family and encouraging them to
visit themselves.
To ring in the New Year with more winter bookings for our
partners, the DOT recently launched the St. Croix Fantastic
Flight Program (www.visitusvi.com/package_and_promotions).
The offer entices visitors to take a warm weather retreat by
offering a $300 instant discount, 6th night free, and a $20
match play certificate. The offer is bookable online through
various tour operators through March 31 for travel from
January 27-March 24.
Since the New Year brings the chance for new beginnings,
the DOT will launch a brand refresh of the successful “You,
Unscripted” campaign, which will be unveiled this quarter.
Inspired by the Mocko Jumbie logo, the brand will boast
an origami look and feel, highlighting the USVI’s colorful
imagery in a playful way that reflects our destination’s
unique attitude and appeal. This design will help our brand
message break through the competition clutter, promising
a more meaningful, transformational experience than a
mere vacation. Our brand promise beckons to stressed
out travelers, inviting them to toss aside set itineraries and
agendas, and begin a journey that’s uniquely theirs.
To keep the New Year momentum going year-round, the
DOT will help drive return business by encouraging visitors
to experience more than one of the unique U.S. Virgin
Islands. To give them a new reason to experience more
of our product, the DOT is offering a special promotion;
when a visitor books a return trip to a different island, they
receive $200 in on-island spending certificates. The DOT is
promoting the offer in local USVI publications distributed at
key visitor locations, such as hotels and shopping districts.
To redeem the offer, visitors must provide proof of their
former visit. Then they’ll be on their way to expanding
their knowledge of our exciting destination, sharing their
St. Thomas 9th Most Searched Destination on Internet
in 2012
The DOT was pleased to discover that “St. Thomas Island”
was the 9th most searched U.S. travel destination on the
Web in 2012, boosted by our reputation as a value-packed,
refreshing and fun destination with international flair. The
finding comes from Google’s Zeitgeist 2012 report.
DOT Extends Meeting & Incentives Promotion
To build new group business momentum in the new year, the
DOT recently extended its Meetings & Incentives Promotion
through March 31, 2013, giving meeting planners exclusive
savings on accommodations and value-added group services
at meeting venues across St Croix, St John and St. Thomas.
Meeting planners who book their group’s stay by the end of
March 2013 at one of the featured properties will get:
• $50 resort credit per room for groups staying three nights
(or $75 per room for group stays of four nights or longer);
• $25 per person credit on services from destination
management companies (DMCs) for groups staying three
nights (or $40 per person for groups staying four nights or
longer);
• five percent discount on catering;
• 10 percent discount on audio visual services;
• welcome gift bag for each guest; and
• airport welcome featuring entertainment and a welcome
banner with the group’s name.
The package applies to new bookings only and cannot be
combined with any other offer. Hotels participating in the
USVI Meetings & Incentives Promotion include:
St. Croix:The Buccaneer, Hotel Caravelle, The Palms
at Pelican Cove and the Renaissance
Carambola Beach Resort & Spa;
St. John:
The Westin Resort & Spa
St. Thomas:Best Western Emerald Beach Resort,
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Frenchman’s
Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort,
The Ritz Carlton St Thomas, Sugar Bay
Resort & Spa and the Windward Passage
Hotel.
To get the credit, groups must book services through one
of the participating USVI-based DMCs: Caribbean Tour
Services, Island Meetings & Incentives, Premier Destination
Services, Resort Adventure Center, St. Croix Safari Tours or
Tropic Tours.
To book the Meetings & Incentives Promotion, contact
any of the participating hotels or Canika John at ccjohn@
usvitourism.vi (340) 774-8784
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Industry Spotlight
Spotlight on Audrey Penn – Program Manager, Friends
of the VI National Park
When Audrey Penn is not volunteering as the Chairman
for VINE (VI Network for Environmental Educators), serving
on the board of a St. John football league, welcoming villa
vacationers at the Cruz Bay ferry dock, or coaching others
to live a healthy and fit lifestyle, you’ll likely find her directing
other volunteers as part of her job as program manager
for the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park (Friends).
Starting out as an intern, Audrey moved on to work at
Concordia Eco-Resort’s Activities Desk before returning
to the Friends when a full-time position became available.
She enjoys the opportunity to help students, visiting groups
and individual volunteers contribute to the VI National Park
in various ways from conducting research to maintaining
trails. For the past five years, Audrey has also been a driving
force behind the Earth Day Fair on St. John, the annual Reef
Fest, and the Friends Seminar Series. This year she has
put together a record 45 seminars which let participants
experience the National Park and interact with local artists
and culture bearers in very unique ways. Seminar topics
include everything from Hiking Yoga and Building Green
to Pepper Sauce Making and Ethnic Drumming. Equally
fascinating are the Colonial Style Pottery class, Marine
Biology Sail, Tropical Light Photography and Eco Spa
experience, just to name a few of the other seminars open
to the public from January 5 through April 22, 2013.
The seminar series helps
to supplement VI National
Park activities while raising
about $20,000 annually
to support the Park.
Other Friends fundraisers
which Audrey assists in
organizing include their
annual gala event and the
Beach to Beach Power
Swim. She said she
enjoys working in so many
different spheres and being
involved in her community.
Born and raised on St.
John, Audrey graduated
from Antilles School on St.
Thomas before receiving
a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in
African American studies at Rollins College in Florida. An
avid fitness enthusiast, Audrey is currently helping dozens
of clients to lose weight and get fit. Audrey enjoys traveling
and is often reminded the more she travels the more she
appreciates her home base in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For the complete schedule and details on the Friends of the
VI National Park Seminar Series, visit www.friendsvinp.org
Small Hotel Update
Cane Bay Cottages, St. Croix
Dive from your doorstep at Cane
Bay Cottages located directly
across from the beach and world
famous Cane Bay Wall. Run by
the Cane Bay Dive Shop, this
diver’s retreat offers easy access
to some of the island’s best diving
and snorkeling opportunities. Each of the newly renovated
four one-bedroom cottages boast ocean views with a
separate kitchen and living area, spacious deck, ceiling fans,
air conditioning, pool access, Wi-Fi, sleeper sofa and choice
of a king or twin beds. www.canebayscuba.com/
canebaycottages.html
Gallows Point Resort, St. John
Nestled on a lushly landscaped
peninsula, Gallows Point Resort
offers an idyllic Caribbean retreat.
The spacious one or two-level one
bedroom suites boast panoramic
views, king beds, full kitchens and
air-conditioning. The resort’s secluded location is balanced
by being within walking distance to Cruz Bay’s restaurants
and boutiques. Snorkelers treasure the colorful reefs that can
be explored from the property’s waterfront location. Save
15% on select rooms booked before January 21, 2013 for
March 2013 stays. www.gallowspointresort.com
Villa Santana, St. Thomas
The historic Villa
Santana sits on a
two-acre estate in
the heart of Charlotte
Amalie’s Queens
Quarter. Originally
built in 1850 for the
wealthy exiled
Mexican President General Santa Ana, the villa received a
Fodor’s Choice Award in 2012. The six guest rooms are all
unique in design and décor and offer private baths, kitchens,
air conditioning, satellite television as well as a private
balcony, terrace or patio. Perched atop Denmark Hill, each
villa enjoys panoramic harbor views. www.villasantana.com
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Customer Service Corner
Exceeding Your Customers’ Expectations?
Why Bother?
Written by: Bryan K. Williams, D.M. (November 14, 2012)
Let’s be honest. Most people’s paychecks will be exactly the same
whether they meet or exceed their customers’ expectations. Unless
you work for one of those rare companies that provide financial
incentives to go above and beyond, why go through the trouble
of doing more? Seriously, doing more requires more effort, and more
effort requires more time. So, my question is, why bother? The answer
may be found in how you view your work. Is it a job, a career or a
calling? As we will see, the way you perceive your work has a major
impact on whether you “bother” to exceed expectations or not.
Job. Career. Calling.
Molé (pronounced MOH-lay)
In Shawn Achor’s book, The Happiness Advantage, he
referred to a study that was done by one of his research
colleagues. The study was focused on how people
viewed work. It turns out that they either viewed work as
a job, a career or a calling. Those who view work as a job,
primarily see working as a way to pay bills. They rarely do
more than the bare minimum. Those who view work as a
career have a bit more vested interest, and aspire to have
longevity via job promotions, transfers, etc. Finally, those
who view work as a calling find intrinsic value in what they
do. Their work is genuinely meaningful, and their pay is
the proverbial “icing on the cake”. There are doctors and
lawyers who may view their work as a job, while there are
housekeepers and truck drivers who see their work as a
calling (and the opposite is also true of course).
On a recent trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, I was fortunate to
visit a Mexican restaurant called The Red Iguana. The food
was amazing and the service was equally impressive. One
of the highlights occurred a short while after I was seated.
The server welcomed me, introduced himself, then asked
if it was my first trip to the restaurant. When I said yes, he
welcomed me again, and explained some of the history and
key features of the restaurant including their world famous
molé sauce. He then told me about the various types of
molé sauce and offered to bring samples of the sauces for
me to try. I instantly fell in love with the sauce, and bought a
pint to take home with me.
Imagine two groups of administrative assistants who have
the same experience, same education, and same supervisor.
One group views their work as a job, while the other group
sees it as a calling. The assistants, who see their work as
“just a job” will do the bare minimum. In fact, anything above
the bare minimum will be viewed as a chore. Any question
or request will be perceived as an interruption of their day.
Those assistants will complain when they receive “too many”
emails or phone calls.
On the contrary, the administrative assistants who view
their work as a calling will happily and eagerly look
for opportunities to exceed expectations. They won’t
complain when they are busy. In fact, they will be happy
when they are busy. The ringing phones and constant
emails mean that their job is relevant and important. After
all, if there are no customers, then why would their jobs
exist? Most importantly, they are grateful because they
have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s
day…every day.
The server could have easily (and with much less effort), just
taken my food order, and proceeded with merely meeting
my expectations. My lunch experience could have been “just
another meal” on “just another business trip”. As we know,
however, memorable service experiences are not created by
people who meet expectations. They are created by people
who exceed them.
Our original question was, “Why bother to exceed
expectations?” The short answer is that for those who view
their work as a calling, exceeding is not really a bother at all. It
is an honor…rather a privilege to be of service. Some people
mistakenly believe that exceeding expectations is a gradual
step up from meeting expectations. It is not. They are actually
two…different...things. If you want to exceed, then you
must intentionally think of ways to exceed. So, while your pay
may be the same, the service you provide will be memorable,
and the innate joy you experience will be priceless.
About Dr. Bryan K. Williams
Born and raised on St. Thomas, Dr. Bryan K. Williams is a consultant,
trainer, and author, who focuses on the areas of service excellence and
organizational effectiveness.
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Recent Updates and Highlights
US Virgin Islands Reports Robust Air Arrivals
Air arrivals to the US Virgin Islands are currently at the
highest levels since the mid-1990s, according to a report
by aviation consultants retained by the Virgin Islands Port
Authority (VIPA). Over the last financial year the USVI
received the highest number of air passengers in almost
two decades, report the Texas-based consultants Reynolds,
Smith and Hills (RS&H).
Overall air traffic is up by almost double digits (9.9 percent)
over the previous fiscal period, reported the company whose
study covered the 2012 fiscal year (FY 2012), which ended
on September 30, 2012. At the Cyril E. King airport on St.
Thomas (STT), passenger traffic was the highest since 1994
at 700,550, while the Henry E. Rohlsen airport on St. Croix
(STX), has not seen such high numbers (224,672) since 2001.
The total number of passengers arriving at each airport was
up by almost the same percentage, meaning that both St.
Thomas and St. Croix shared equally in the traffic gain.
“On a nationwide basis, the U.S. economy remains relatively
stagnant as recovery has not fully occurred from the
recent recession. Unemployment is at higher than normal
levels. The poor economy and higher jet fuel prices have
caused national air passenger traffic to decline or be flat.
This makes the strong increase in 2012 Virgin Islands Port
Authority aviation traffic even more remarkable,” asserted
the consultants.
“We welcome the findings of this report,” said Commissioner
of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty, who believes the
Department of Tourism’s efforts to cultivate relations with
the airlines to raise visitor arrivals in a difficult economic and
uncertain aviation environment were paying dividends.
Projections for the 2012-2013 fiscal year show a 1.4
percentage increase in total weekly seats to St. Thomas from
17,989 to 18,246, while St. Croix’s weekly air capacity is
forecast at around 5,219, a less than 10 percent decline over
the previous year. St. Croix’s dip is mainly due to the closure
of the HOVENSA oil refinery and the resulting discontinuation
of the weekly Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta.
“Acting to maintain airlift and spur economic growth in the
Territory continues to be our top priority as we enter a new
calendar year,” indicated Commissioner Nicholson-Doty, who
is cautiously optimistic about the sector as the winter season
begins in earnest.
To bolster traffic to St. Croix, the Department has switched
on the St. Croix Fantastic Flight 2013 promotion which
features a $300 air credit along with a 6th night free incentive
provided by participating hotels. The promotion is paid for by
the Department of Tourism from specific funding allocated
for the exclusive marketing and promotion of St. Croix.
The booking window is December 15, 2012 to January 31,
2013 for travel between January 27 and March 24, 2013.
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USVI In the Media
To round out our robust marketing program, we recently partnered with New
York-based public relations agency Development Counsellors International (DCI)
to keep USVI in the news year-round. The agency’s focus is positioning the USVI
as a “must do” on travelers’ bucket lists, and promoting brand-supporting key
messages such as our natural beauty, warm hospitality, varied activities and
unique culture. Here are some recent highlights of the USVI in the news:
Boston Globe article (focuses on St. Croix’s attractions and historical offerings)
New York Post article (focuses on going beyond the beach, which helps give
visitors new reasons to return)
Travel & Leisure noted three USVI beaches on their first ever reader survey of
best beaches on earth:
• Trunk Bay (St John) – also noted #2 “Best for Wildlife Viewing” list
• Turtle Beach (Buck Island – St Croix) – also noted #4 on “Best for Seclusion” list
• Magens Bay (St Thomas) – also noted #2 “Best for Families” list
January Tradeshows
Georgia Bridal Show
January 6
Atlanta, GA
Condé Nast Travel
Exchange Specialists
January 6-8
Grand Cayman
Adventures in Travel Expo
January 12-13
Los Angeles, CA
Georgia Bridal Show
January 13
Birmingham, AL
AAA Great Vacations Expo
January 18-20
Columbus, OH
New York Times Show
January 18-20
New York, NY
Baltimore/ DC Dive Show
January 25-26
Baltimore, MD
Adventures in Travel Expo
January 26-27
Chicago, IL
Dallas Bridal Show
January 26-27
Dallas, TX
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January Happenings
JANUARY 9
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Batik
Making” Seminar, St. John
Learn the technique of using wax resist and dye to create
layered designs on recycled cloth, from Maho Bay Textile
Artist, Annalisa Jensen. Pick up your creations at the
Friends Store when dry! Takes place 1 – 4 p.m. at Maho
Bay Camps Art Center. Costs $65 for members and $75 for
non-members (wear closed-toe shoes and an apron or old
clothing). For more information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 10
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present
“Lameshur Bay History Walk,” St. John
Randy Brown leads history lovers on an intriguing and
inspiring interpretive hike around Lameshur Bay, from the
Yawzi Trail to the remains of an 18th century great house.
Following the walk, grab lunch and a tour at the Virgin Islands
Environmental Resource Station, an environmental education
facility featuring several innovative conservation systems and
the Tektite Underwater Habitat Museum. Takes place 10
a.m. – 2 p.m. at Lameshur Bay Parking Lot. Costs $45 for
members and $55 for non-members (bring notebook and
water). For more information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 11
Art Show, Gallery St. Thomas
Looking for a muse in the New Year? Try an art show at the
Gallery St. Thomas, which specializes in unique local and
Caribbean-inspired artists on Friday nights from 5:30 – 8
p.m. The Jan. 11 show will offer visitors the opportunity to
see the works of Avelino Samuel and David Hill, and discuss
them with the artists themselves. For more information:
www.gallerystthomas.com
JANUARY 12
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Kayak
the Mangroves,” St. John
Take a beautiful kayaking adventure with local scientist
Barry Devine and Arawak Expeditions through the Coral
Reef National Monument, stopping along the way to snorkel
in the mangroves and sea grass beds. The tour, which
takes place 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and meets at the Skinny
Legs Restaurant to carpool, includes lunch. Costs $65 for
members and $75 for non-members (bring notebook and
water). For more information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 12
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present
“Recycled Glass Flowers” Class, St. John
Become an honorary local artist at this creative art class,
where resident Maho Bay Glassblowers Greg and Mariel
teach students how to blow recycled molten glass into a
colorful and radiant flower. Takes place noon – 1:30 p.m.
at Maho Bay Art Center. Costs $65 for members and
$75 for non-members (wear closed toe shoes). For more
information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 13
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Hassel
Island Tour,” St. Thomas
Take an historic kayak voyage from Frenchtown to Hassel
Island with VI Ecotours, discovering Danish and British
colonial ruins as well as Careening Cove. Hike past Fort
Willoughby, a British fort from the Napoleonic era, and visit
the Garrison House, the Creque Marine Railway, and Shipley
Battery or Cowell Battery. The tour, which takes place 10
a.m. – 2 p.m. at Frenchtown, St. Thomas, includes lunch.
Costs $85 for members and $95 for non-members (bring
swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, dry bag, hiking shoes). For more
information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 16
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present
“Recycled Glass Stepping Stones” Class, St. John
Dress up your home landscape with this unique art class,
where budding artisans can make a glass/concrete stepping
stone with glass inclusions, and learn how to polish cured
stepping stones. Takes place 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Maho
Bay Art Center. Costs $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers (wear closed toe shoes). For more information:
www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 17
Art Thursdays, St. Croix
Art lovers will enjoy this series of fun evening gallery walks in
Christiansted, where retail shops and restaurants also stay
open late from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. For more information:
www.gotostcroix.com
JANUARY 18
Arts Alive Concert, St. Thomas
Music lovers looking to enjoy mainland folk songs will enjoy
the bluegrass sounds of the David Bromberg Quartet,
presented by Arts Alive Concerts, a series of shows
occurring year-round at Tillet Gardens. Guests can usually
partake in a prix fixe dinner prior to each concert, and
peruse the artist’s studios during intermissions. For more
information: www.tillettfoundation.org
JANUARY 1
Sunset Jazz, Frederiksted, St. Croix
One of the island’s most popular musical events, this
monthly Friday concert on the Frederiksted Waterfront
features outstanding local jazz musicians. Admission is
free, and music lovers can purchase food and drinks at
nearby bars and restaurants. For more information: www.
gotostcroix.com
JANUARY 18-19
Candlelight Classical Concert Series, St. Croix
Experience renowned classical music performances under
the famous candle-lit chandelier in the Whim Plantation
Museum Great House. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets
cost $45 and include a champagne and hors d’oeuvres
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS (continued)
reception with the musicians. This concert will feature the
exciting sounds of classical guitarists Duo Exaudi. For more
information: www.stcroixlandmarks.com
JANUARY 18
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Happy
Painting Art” Class, St. John
Cultivate your inner Michelangelo at this fun painting class,
featuring four sessions where students can learn the
technique of wet on wet oil painting from local artist Deniece
Riehl. Each student will have the chance to create a souvenir
seascape using the techniques of artist Bob Ross. Takes
place 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Maho Bay Pavilion. Costs $75 for
members and $85 for non-members (bring drinking water,
lunch and wear old clothes). For more information: www.
friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 19
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Native
Plant & Forest Bird Hike,” St. Thomas
Budding ornithologists can hunt for glimpses of their favorite
avians on this beautiful and informative hike of the Cinnamon
Bay Trail, where Dr. Gary Ray leads points out native plants
and birds along the trail. Takes place 9 a.m. – noon at
Cinnamon Bay Amphitheater. Costs 485 for members and
$55 for non-members (bring water, lunch, notebook, &
binoculars). For more information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 19
Krewe de Croix - Fourth Annual Beard Contest, St.
Croix
Channel your inner pirate and join the Krewe de Croix
Beard Team and Blackbeard’s Adventure Tours as they
host the Fourth Annual Beard Contest. The theme for this
year’s event, which takes place at the bottom of Queen
Cross Street in Christiansted, is “Pirates and Princesses in
Paradise.” For more information: www.bigbeards.com
JANUARY 19–20
16th Annual Bordeaux Farmers Rastafari Agricultural
& Cultural Food Fair, St. Thomas
Purchase local fruits, vegetables, plants, arts and crafts and
more while enjoying live reggae music at this annual farmer’s
market and food fair featuring prepared local cuisine.
The event takes place 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. at the newly
constructed Bordeaux Farmers Market. Costs $3 for adults,
children are free. For more information: www.facebook.com/
WEGROWFOOD or call 340-344-4300
JANUARY 20
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present
“Pastels Workshop,” St. John
Learn the challenging and rewarding art of painting pastels in
this class, where renowned local artist Livy Hitchcock guides
students through creating their own tropical landscapes.
Takes place 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Caneel Bay parking lot.
Costs $75 for members and $85 for non-members (bring
drinking water and snack). For more information: www.
friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 20
Historic Ruins Ramble/Places that Matter, St. Croix
Learn about St. Croix’s storied past and culture on guided
walks through the hidden ruins of old plantations from the
17th and 18th centuries. The tour begins at 3:00 p.m.
and the cost is $15 per person. Refreshments follow each
session. For more information: www.stcroixlandmarks.com
JANUARY 21
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
JANUARY 23
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present
“Medicinal Herbs Workshop,” St. John
Tantalize your palate and refresh your soul as Delroy “Ital”
Anthony teaches student healers about the natural benefits
of native herbs found throughout the Caribbean, giving them
local beverages to savor as they experience the smells and
tastes of many plants first-hand. Takes place 12:30 p.m.
– 2:30 p.m. at St. John School of the Arts. Costs $35 for
members and $45 for non-members (bring notebook). For
more information: www.friendsvinp.org
JANUARY 24-27
Love City Live! 2K13, St. John
Enjoy this four-day culture-fused celebration showcasing
Caribbean art, music and lifestyle. Grammy Award-winning
reggae band Steel Pulse is set to headline the ‘Steel Pulse
“Live”’ concert on January 26th with Duane Stephenson,
Inner Visions and Reemah also performing. Tickets for the
January 25th ‘Strictly Rockers Reggae Party’ are $20 and
tickets for the January 26th ‘Steel Pulse “Live”’ are $55. For
more information: www.ExperienceLoveCityLive.com
JANUARY 26-27
Grow and Learn, St. George Village Botanical Garden,
St. Croix
Enjoy educational workshops on how to more efficiently use
your garden, hosted by different presenters each month. For
more information: www.sgvbg.org
JANUARY 26
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Build
Green Workshop,” St. John
Learn how to green your space at this eco-forward class,
where students can learn about innovative building and
responsible practices, such as traditional West Indian
wooden cottages, landscaping with native vegetation, solar
power, net metering, water conservation, composting,
organic gardening and solar oven bread making. Takes place
10 a.m. –noon and meets at Skinny Legs Restaurant to
carpool. Costs $35 for members and $45 for non-members
(bring notebook, building plans and ideas). For more
information: www.friendsvinp.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS (continued)
JANUARY 26
Krewe de Barkus Dog Parade, St. Croix
Fashionista dogs shimmy down the Christiansted boardwalk
in their best fancy-dress costumes, vying for the “top dog”
prize at the eccentric Krewe de Barkus Dog Parade. Parade
starts at 1 p.m. at the Christiansted Boardwalk. For more
information: www.gotostcroix.com
JANUARY 27
St. Croix Scenic 50, St. Croix
Runners looking to test their endurance on a new level
should register for the St. Croix Scenic 50, the island’s
annual “ultramarathon.” Exceeding a full 26.2 mile marathon,
this 50-mile run will feature challenging and spectacularly
beautiful terrain, taking contenders from Fort Christiansvaern
to Fort Frederik and back, ending at Mermaid Beach. For
more information: www.stcroix50.com
JANUARY 27
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present
“Marine Biology Sail,” St. John
Dive into an adventure on and under the sea with a guided
sail aboard the s/v Kekoa with National Park Service marine
biologist Jeff Miller, who gives participants the chance to
snorkel through the underwater treasures of St. John’s reefs.
The tour which takes place 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and meets at
National Park Visitor Center dock, includes lunch. Costs $95
for members and $105 for non-members (bring snorkel gear,
water bottle, towel and sunscreen). For more information:
www.friendsvinp.org
January 30
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park Present “Brown
Bay History Hike,” St. John
Step back in time and discover the historic stories and
sites of the first settlers of St. John in the Brown Bay Valley.
National Park Archeologist Ken Wild takes participants
on a trip along the Brown Bay Trail, visiting earliest island
plantations. The tour, which takes place 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and
meets at National Park Visitor Center, includes lunch and
taxi. Costs $55 for members and $65 for non-members
(bring hiking shoes, notebook, sunscreen, and plenty of
water). For more information: www.friendsvinp.org
USVI Partner Updates
St. Croix
Divi Carina Bay Resort Offers Early Bird Special Deal
for St. Croix Food & Wine Experience
To give wine and food lovers incentive to check out the
island’s signature foodie festival, Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort
is offering the “Early Bird Taste” room package for the 2013
St. Croix Food & Wine Experience, starting at just $224 per
person per night, based on double occupancy. The deal
features a discounted room rate April 13-18, including a ticket
to the Taste of St. Croix and after party, the wildly popular
sampling and sipping event at the resort’s beachfront on
April 18. Package also includes oceanfront accommodations
plus all meals and beverages. Book now through Jan. 31 by
calling 877.773.9700 and using code TOSC2013.
www.divicarina.com
Westin St. John Resort & Villas Extends Popular
Voluntourism Package
To help engage eco-minded travelers in the USVI’s natureoriented brand and help preserve their flora, fauna and
wildlife for future generations, this premier resort is extending
their “Spring into Giving Back” program through Dec. 31,
2013. The resort offers a $100 resort credit and transfers
for guests who volunteer at nearby Virgin Islands National
Park for one day, helping maintain park trails and ruins,
and removing debris from beaches and coastlines. For
reservations and resort information, call 888.627.7206
or visit www.westinresortstjohn.com. To learn more about
USVI voluntourism projects go to:
www.friendsvinp.org/how-to-help/volunteer.
St. John
Caneel Bay Opens New Sushi Bar
Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort is serving up sushi with
an innovative twist at The Sushi Bar, which recently opened
to rave reviews. Chef Chance Herbert gives beachgoers
delectable, healthy dishes such as: edamame sprinkled with
truffle salt; Trunk Bay Roll featuring avocado, panko shrimp
and red bell pepper topped with tuna tataki, ponzu and
scallions; and the Honeymoon Roll, comprised of cucumber,
spicy tuna and seared yellowtail rolled in tempura flakes and
topped with nori and drizzled in eel sauce, wasabi aioli and
paradise aioli. www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/caneelbay
Eco Serendib Offers Up to 50 Percent Off Rates YearRound for Stays of Seven-Night or More
Renowned sustainable luxury resort Eco Serendib is
rewarding visitors who commit to a week or more with
special promotional rates of up to 50 percent off regular
rates through 2013. Book by May 31 for stays throughout
the end of the year. For more information call 215-830-8300,
email [email protected] or visit
www.ecoserendib.com/pdf/RateServiceTierDetails.pdf
10
USVI TIMES
J a n u a r y
2 0 1 3
USVI PARTNER UPDATES (continued)
St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort Offers Super Bowl and
Valentine’s Day Packages
Not lucky enough to attend the Super Bowl? No worries,
Bolongo Bay is once again offering their infamous Super
Bowl Beach Tailgate Party Package, giving football and
fanfare lovers the fifth night free, an all-you-can-eat tailgate
party buffet, a bucket of domestic beer and Super Bowl
XLVII viewing party with multiple TVs (including a big screen
on the beach, live nightly entertainment at Iggies Beach
Bar and complimentary non-motorized water sports). Also
get two squares in the football pool for a chance to win up
to $500. Package is $1,808 for two, including taxes and
service charges, and is available on any 5-night stay that
includes Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. If you’re more
of a romance lover than a sports lover, spoil your sweetie
with a Valentine’s Day Package, featuring the fifth night free
including Feb. 14, 2013. Also get a bottle of sparkling wine
and rose petals in the room upon arrival, a three-course
dinner at the Lobster Grille with bottle of wine, sunset cocktail
cruise on board the resort’s 53’ catamaran, a complimentary
Discover Scuba Dive lesson and non-motorized water sports
access. Package is $1,954 per couple, including tax and
service charge. For more information call (800) 524-4746 or
visit www.bolongobay.com
Coral World Ocean Park Offers Great Deals During
Funtastic Fridays
Get eye-popping views of marine life during Coral World
Ocean Park’s Funtastic Fridays throughout January. Buy
one ticket for admission and activities and get the second
half off at this innovative park, featuring one of only a few
underwater marine life observatories in the world, coupled
with entertaining and educational exhibits. Promotion cannot
be combined with any other promotion or discount. For more
information, call 340-775-1555,email [email protected]
or visit www.coralworldvi.com.
Green Iguana Hotel Offers Fifth Night Free Winter
Escape
Travelers seeking a value-packed winter escape can get the
fifth night free on stays through March 2013 at the Green
Iguana Hotel, located at the top of scenic Blackbeard’s Hill
and fun touches such as reptilian namesakes. Also get the
InnTimate Treasure Gift Bag valued at more than $100,
which includes special treats such as a $50 dining certificate
and activity/attraction discounts. For more information call
340-776-7654/855-IGUANA-1(855-448-2621) Toll Free,
email [email protected]