U.S. Virgin Islands Announces The Performance Line-Up For St. Thomas Carnival Village Featuring Shaggy, Sizzla, Patrice Roberts, And Machel Montano

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals today announces the performance line-up for the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village.

The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.

"The anticipation around this year's St. Thomas Carnival is at an all-time high, and the Village night performers reflect the continued influence and growth of our territory's three carnivals," exclaims USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.

Adam O, Rudy Live, Temisha, Karnage, Blind Earz, VIO International, and Spectrum Band are among the performers who will take center stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"Every year, our goal is to pay homage to the vast Virgin Islands and Caribbean culture that is at the cornerstone of these annual celebrations for natives and visitors alike," added USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.

Haitian kompa band VAYB and Dominican salsa orchestra Chiquito Team Band will provide a cross-cultural immersion of sound, highlighting the diverse musical interests of Virgin Islands residents. Rounding out the village are a few first-time performers in the territory, including TeeJay, Jada Kingdom, and Kollision Band, and returning favorites Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Grandmasters.
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This year, the Division of Festivals will host its first Kids Night Out Village Night, with activities including the Toddlers Derby, Best Dressed Doll, and performances by TMK and OTB.

For more information about the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival, visit https://www.instagram.com/usvifestivals/.
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For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department Of Tourism And Division Of Festivals Announces Dates For St Thomas Carnival 2024

In collaboration with the Division of Festivals, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism announces the official dates for the 2024 St. Thomas Carnival. Scheduled to be held from April 28 to May 5, 2024, this year's annual celebration is projected to be the largest to date.

Consistent with longstanding traditions, the 72nd annual Carnival celebration will feature events including the Queen, Prince, and Princess Pageants, Calypso Monarch, Pan-O-Rama, and one of the region's best J'ouvert parties. The annual Carnival culminates with the highly anticipated parade through Charlotte Amalie featuring thousands of masqueraders adorned in colorful outfits dancing down the 2-mile route.

"I am excited to welcome everyone to join us for the 2024 St. Thomas Carnival," said Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. "This year, we are preparing to make this the best Carnival yet, highlighting our rich culture, picturesque island, and beautiful people."

Local and home-based revelers can expect to experience the best of St. Thomas, including the St Thomas Carnival Boat Races and top-tier musical performances at the free nightly Village Nights. From fast boats to Latin fusion, calypso, soca, reggae, and quelbe music, unmatched vibes will be circulating throughout the island.

No Caribbean Carnival celebration is complete without a food fair, and on May 1, the rich and diverse cuisine of the USVI will take center stage at the annual Food Fair.

For up-to-date information on the St. Thomas Carnival, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/experiences/carnivals-festivals.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

U.S. Virgin Islands Welcomes Visitors Back With Extensive Safety Protocols.

 The beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands awaits leisure travelers.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS The U.S. Virgin Islands reopened its doors to leisure travelers on June 1st

Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte declared that the Territory is finalizing public health and tourism protocols for the return of visitors to “America’s paradise” in less than a week’s time.

Commissioner Boschulte reported that as new protocols, developed with input from the Office of the Governor, tourism and health authorities, and the private sector, are rolled out, a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will remain in effect through July 11, 2020.

" We have been building COVID-19 mitigation and response capacity, and preparing protocols to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors alike,” said Commissioner Boschulte, who explained that the decision to reopen has not been made lightly. “We did not want to rush to reopen in reaction to what other destinations are doing. Instead, we have engaged in data-driven, risk-based analysis, in conjunction with the Virgin Islands Department of Health and federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other stakeholders.”

 The Department of Tourism has prepared “Health and Safety Guidelines for the USVI Tourism Industry”, a comprehensive master document that provides specific guidance to all tourism stakeholders. “The response and collaboration of various departments and agencies are to be commended,” Commissioner Boschulte said, noting that the document will be frequently updated to reflect anticipated guidance updates.

The Commissioner asserted that the reopening is a partnership that requires everyone to have both a personal and professional responsibility to reduce the spread of the new virus. “We are very pleased with the across-the-board approach so that key tourism sub sectors now have specific guidelines,” he added. He stated that the new health and safety protocols, along with the commitment of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, would assure visitors that the Territory’s decision to open its doors next week is the right one.

Guidance includes procedures for operating reception and concierge facilities; cleaning and housekeeping; managing dining rooms; and providing technical and maintenance services. There is also specific sub sector guidance for taxi, van, safari and limo services, restaurants and bars, and accommodations.

Commissioner Boschulte stated that interest in travel to the destination was very strong: “Throughout the pandemic, we were greatly encouraged by the outpouring of support and expressions of desire from friends around the world to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even though COVID-19 caused us to temporarily close our doors, our hearts remained open. We now look forward to welcoming travelers back to their home away from home.”

For further information, visit www.usviupdate.com or www.visitusvi.com.

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.

U.S. Virgin Islands, Airbnb Sign First Tax Agreement In The Caribbean #USVITourism

From left: Attorney Tamarah Parson-Smalls, BIR Director Marvin Pickering, Governor Kenneth Mapp, Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty, and Shawn Sullivan and Carlos Muñoz of Airbnb at  press conference on St. Thomas..

  

The Government of the United States Virgin Islands and Airbnb have confirmed the first tax agreement in the Caribbean, which will allow the platform to collect the Territory's 12.5 percent Hotel Room Occupancy Tax on behalf of hosts and remit the funds to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The agreement will also create a framework to help promote tourism to the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting the cultural and historical heritage of this world-class destination.

Airbnb has been investing in partnerships in the region to support a thriving community of homeowners who are renting their spaces and creating new flows of local economic benefits.

Agreements have been signed with several countries and with the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to create policy frameworks for this growing hospitality trend of home sharing. Today's announcement spearheads the company's efforts in the Caribbean to collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of hosts, allowing hosts to comply and give back to their communities.

The Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kenneth E. Mapp, supported the agreement and noted that locals will increase their participation in the economic benefits of tourism. "This is good for our Government because it streamlines the collection process and enables more of our residents to participate in the visitor industry. Our hospitality sector will also greatly benefit from the promotional reach of this multibillion-dollar organization," Mapp said.

The agreement with Airbnb is a component of the Mapp-Potter Administration's Five Year Plan to fully restore economic stability to the V.I. Government through economic growth, increased revenue collection and better resource management. It will help improve and diversify the tourism industry and create unique experiences for and by the locals of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas and their visitors.

Airbnb has about 2,000 active listings across the U.S. Virgin Islands and a typical Airbnb host earns US$7,700 a year. "Airbnb represents a supplemental income, which helps families pay their bills and improve their quality of life. As local hosts bring more tourism to the region, visitors get to know the country from an organic and more authentic point of view, spending in local businesses and services, as well as encouraging others to visit the islands as a result of their positive experience," said Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb's Public Policy Manager for the Caribbean and Central America.

Local authorities also pointed to the importance of the growth and diversification of tourism to the island and the improvement of tax collection for both hosts and government.

"This agreement brings to the table a well-resourced partner to help with our efforts to attract people to our islands," observed Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

Marvin Pickering, Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue, said the additional revenue would be beneficial for the treasury. "This voluntary collection agreement for the hotel room tax provides the bureau with an additional resource to ensure that the tax is collected and remitted in a timely manner. We look forward to pursuing this additional avenue of increasing the tax revenue from Airbnb hosts as they participate in our Territory's tax regime by fulfilling their filing and payment obligations."

About Airbnb:

Founded in 2008, Airbnb's mission is to create a world where people can belong when they travel by being connected to local cultures and having unique travel experiences. Its community marketplace provides access to millions of unique accommodations from apartments and villas to castles and treehouses in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries.

With Experiences, Airbnb offers unprecedented access to local communities and interests, while Places lets people discover the hidden gems of a city as recommended by the people that live there. Airbnb is people powered and the easiest way to earn a little extra income from extra space in a home or from sharing passions, interests and cities.

www.airbnb.com 

About the United States Virgin Islands:

For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on 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.

The Legendary Buccaneer Resort In St. Croix Commemorates 100th Anniversary Of U.S. Virgin Islands

                Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands- On March 31 – the U.S. Virgin Islands will celebrate their 100^th anniversary, commemorating the historic moment when what had been the Danish West Indies officially became a U.S. territory. The Buccaneer, a hotel that has been a part of St. Croix’s thriving tourism scene since it first opened its doors to guests in December 1947, is working in tandem with the Islands’ Department of Tourism to commemorate the centennial with a travel deal that’s available to guests through the end of this year.

                The Department of Tourism is offering $300 in VI spending credits to visitors who book their trips via the tourism office website and apply the promotion code “CP17.” These credits can be used toward meals and activities throughout the islands. When booking, visitors should simply select The Buccaneer as their hotel of choice. This offer is good for reservations made between now and October 1, 2017, and trips must take place by December 31, 2017. Details are outlined on The Buccaneer’s website, www.TheBuccaneer.com.

                As a U.S. territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands are the ideal Caribbean destination for American citizens, who don’t even need a passport to explore these tropical destinations that have their own unique history and distinctive culture. Though the islands are now a part of the United States, the “Stars and Stripes” is the seventh flag to fly over them. Christopher Columbus arrived in the 15^th century representing Spain, and from there England, The Netherlands, France, the Knights of Malta and Denmark have all laid claim to the Virgin Islands at some point in history. On March 31, 1917, the Danish West Indies officially became the U.S. Virgin Islands, being sold to the United States for $25 million in gold as a way of improving that nation’s military positioning during World War I. Today the United Nations recognizes the Islands as a non-self-governing territory of the United States.

                And each year on March 31, the Islands celebrate “Charter Day” in style. This year’s events promise to be especially festive as locals and visitors alike mark the centennial of that charter.

                The Buccaneer is also celebrating an anniversary of its very own this year – 70 years in the hospitality industry. The Armstrong family transformed the property into an 11-room hotel in 1947, and over the years has developed the resort into one of the finest in the Caribbean. Located on property that has grown tobacco, indigo and sugar and later served as a cattle ranch, The Buccaneer offers old-fashioned hospitality blended with all the amenities modern travelers prefer. It boasts three restaurants, a full-service spa, a fitness center, two pools, three beaches, free water activities (kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba lessons), an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, a shopping arcade, island entertainment, art classes, a weekly nature and history tour, and even a free kids’ camp on its 340 tropical acres.

                The property dates to 1653, and the original manor house now serves as the resort’s main building. It’s where guests find the registration and concierge desks, a restaurant, lounge and the original hotel rooms. A sugar mill from the early 1700s sits adjacent to that building and now provides the perfect venue for private dinners, weddings and the resort owner’s weekly cocktail reception for guests. A cotton house originally built in the early 1900s currently serves as one of The Buccaneer’s meeting venues. Today there are 138 spacious guest rooms located throughout the property, from that historic main building – where it’s said Alexander Hamilton once lived – to the ocean’s edge. Everywhere guests look they’re surrounded by both history and luxury. The Buccaneer, which is operated by the third generation of the Armstrong family, is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America, a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

                The history doesn’t end with the resort, however; it’s everywhere on St. Croix, which at 82.2 square miles is the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. The Buccaneer is less than a five-minute drive from the charming town of Christiansted, where visitors can enjoy dining, shopping and plenty of sightseeing – including more references to Alexander Hamilton, who spent his formative years on the island. Christiansted is also the place where visitors can catch a boat trip that helps them explore the natural wonders of the island, including coral reefs that attract snorkelers and divers from all over the world.

                For more information about The Buccaneer, St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit www.TheBuccaneer.com.

Hotels Welcome Military Heroes And First Responders With Discounts

Hotel Viking

 In observance of Memorial Day, resorts from New England to the Caribbean are opening their

 doors to military personnel and first responders.

In Newport, RI, Hotel Viking's Salute to Heroes offer welcomes military active duty and reservists, 

in addition to retired members of U.S. law enforcement agencies, firefighters and armed forces, with

 50% off the best available rate. Additional perks offered with proper ID include a 25% discount on

 spa services, a complimentary infrared sauna session with a booked spa appointment, and one

 complimentary appetizer (excluding the Seafood Tower) per purchased entrée per day in the hotel's

 signature dining venue, One Bellevue.

Hotel Viking's Salute to Heroes offer is available now through Dec. 30, 2016. Rates are per room 

per night based on double occupancy. Taxes and fees are not included. A valid government ID

 card (or dependent card) is required at check-in. Salute to Heroes is subject to availability and

 restrictions apply. Not valid for groups or in conjunction with any other discounts. To claim the

 offer call 800.556.7126 and be sure to reference the Salute to Heroes discount at time of booking.

On Florida's Gulf Coast, Lemon Tree Inn welcomes active members of the U.S. military and first

 responders to bask in the ambience of Old Florida with 25% off the best available rate at time of

 booking. Designed to evoke the feel of Old Florida, but with a 21st-century ambience, Lemon Tree

 Inn is an enclave of tranquility just steps from the high-end shops of Fifth Avenue South and only

 eight blocks from the beach. The hotel's 34 guest rooms face a pool and landscaped garden

 courtyard. Call Lemon Tree Inn at 888.800.5366 and mention the MRR code.

Hotel Caravelle on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands welcomes active members of the U.S. military 

and first responders to be among its first guests to experience its newest incarnation at 20% off

 the best-available rate at time of booking. The waterfront hotel in historic Christiansted recently 

reopened following a $2.5 million renovation encompassing new furnishings designed to evoke

 an updated contemporary tropical feel, and upgrades to the lobby and pool areas. Call Hotel

 Caravelle at 800.524.0410 and mention the MRR code.

AskMeWeddings sprinkles a bit of romance on its military offers with discounts on wedding 

and honeymoon packages.

Reference booking code AMWFORCES to book a destination wedding at Paradisus Punta Cana 

in the Dominican Republic and get up to $750 off a wedding package. The offer is valid for wedding

 packages booked directly by the client with AskMeWeddings for weddings taking place in 2016

 and 2017. Savings/credit does not apply to extras, upgrades or add-ons.

 Visit https://www.askmeweddings.com for complete details.

For honeymoon deals, reference AMHFORCES at booking to get 12% off honeymoon packages

 booked directly throughAskMeHoneymoons. The offer is valid on new honeymoon packages

 (inclusive of accommodations) booked directly by the client with AskMeHoneymoons for

 honeymoon travel in 2016 and 2017. The discount applies to existing-rate bookings at

 AskMeWeddings partner hotels.

The offers from AskMeWeddings and AskMeHoneymoons are valid for all U.S. and Canada

 military personnel, including active or spouse, including retired reserves, U.S. National Guard, 

U.S. veterans, U.S. Department of Defense and Canada Department of National defense. Proof

 of military identification (U.S. and Canada) or discharge certificate (U.S.) required at time of

 booking. Discount offer is applicable to one room per military personnel. Offer may be changed 

or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer may not be combined with another promotions. 

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact AskMe for more information at (877) 442-7563.

Hot Destinations And Top Travel Trends

Contributed by Emily Fisher 

As we wrap up another eventful year in travel, it’s a great time to sneak a peek at what’s ahead.

The rise of the super airline

For travelers in the U.S., one of the biggest stories of the past year is the rise of the super airline. With the merger of American Airlines and US Airways, United Airlines’ rule as the largest airline ended less than a year into its new life. Last March, Continental Airlines was fully integrated into United – the fruit of two years’ worth of work.

It will take American and US Airways time to combine their resources too, but consumers can expect changes to start early in 2014. Most notable will be when US Airways drops its membership in the Star Alliance to join oneworld. This shift in the international airline partner base will leave heavy mileage accumulators and frequent overseas travelers with some homework and head scratching to do — and maybe some tough decisions to make. It might also encourage folks who have been planning to cash in for a big trip to get moving. The switch over happens on March 31/April 1, 2014.

The new American (Image: American Airlines)

With United, Delta and the new American all truly super sized, these large airlines are sure to be very busy competing with one another with a lot of focus on international travel and amenities like lay flat beds in first class (even on domestic flights). For the price-conscious traveler, there may be less to love on those major airlines as nickel and diming for basics — like a few more inches of leg room — becomes even more prevalent.

However, this battle among the power airlines will likely leave room for newer and smaller players competing on base price to emerge, for established “budget” airlines like Southwest and JetBlue to gain even more ground and for regional airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines to expand the number of markets they serve.

Travel hot spots

In 2013, a number of new travel hot spots began to emerge (or reemerge). Domestic travel is still by far the most popular in the United States, but we did find that people are increasingly including the U.S. territories in their vacation plans. Searches to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, jumped 40 percent while those to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where up 34 percent. Puerto Rico also saw a 10 percent spike in popularity.

Good budget airline service can also deliver a boost to the popularity of a destination. Two prime examples: Denver, Colo., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Denver is not only a great city and jumping off point for a mountain getaway but also a strategic low-cost carrier hub. Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue and Spirit all serve Denver International and the competition works in the traveler’s favor. So it’s no surprise that Denver saw a 17 percent increase in travel searches for the year. Likewise, Myrtle Beach’s small but growing airport now offers non-stop flights to 25 different cities – the majority offered by low-cost carriers Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Airlines. That has served as pricing pressure on the flights US Airways, United and Delta offer into Myrtle Beach, which led to a 20 percent increase in travelers looking to visit this southern beach town.

All year we’ve been tracking Los Cabos’ continued appeal as a year-round beach destination with something to offer at pretty much any price point. Despite the troubles that have plagued many parts of Mexico, Los Cabos has been a relative safe haven for tourists. Now, as Mexico tourism begins to bounce back for many parts of the country, Los Cabos is leading the pack. In 2013, we saw a 4 percent increase in travel searches to Los Cabos.

For 2014, we see signs U.S. travelers will continue to chase warm weather and sunshine, look for new bargain destinations and travel for events. Here are some destination trends to watch for:

The year of Brazil

With the Olympics on the horizon and the World Cup coming this summer (June 12 to July 13), Brazil is working hard to be a welcoming host country to sports fans and tourists in general. Already a popular destination, especially during Carnival, Brazil is building out infrastructure for its major upcoming events. Even so, capacity is tight. If you’re planning to visit during the World Cup, act now. Even during the offseason, it’s advisable to book four months in advance.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Image: pedrokirilos)

Paying homage in Europe

2014 is the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I so this may be a year for history buffs and family members to visit the battlefields to reconnect with and remember loved ones who sacrificed across Europe in the “war to end all wars.”

Caribbean distinction

Images of crystal blue water and white sandy beaches are the ubiquitous daydream of the Caribbean. However the islands have a mix of cultures, climates and currencies that make it worthwhile to do your homework before you book. Some recent changes, especially in the Dutch Antilles, mean some key island countries have new-found autonomy. As a result, they have – and will – continue to ramp up how they market themselves.

Be prepared to see an increase in other parts of the Caribbean pushing what makes them stand out. Price will be one point but so will ease of access (for example, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with no passport requirements for Americans), travel style (nightlife versus beach views, family versus adventure, chic versus laid back) and activities (diving and bare boating – or cruise ships and shops).

Staying ahead of the crowds

As deal destinations get popular, they lose their unique appeal-of-the-new charm – and their bargain status. The challenge is to spot the next wave of alternatives and beat the growing crowds and climbing prices. This year’s list: instead of Costa Rica, try Nicaragua. Skip Malta and head for Albania. Swap Bulgaria for Estonia. Opt for Laos over Vietnam

The connected passenger

As we flip the calendar, we are in the heyday of a major transition in terms of the individual flier’s travel experience. Gone are the days of simply reading a book or flipping through a magazine to pass the time on a flight. Whether you are watching satellite TV or playing trivia against your cabin mates on the airplane’s infotainment system or, more likely, glued to your tablet, laptop or phone for videos, games or news from the outside world, you are now a “connected passenger.”

Inside a Virgin America plane (Image: Albert Domasin)

The rules and technology will push this trend even further over the next 12 to 36 months. In-flight WiFi is on the verge of blazing new speeds with vendors eyeing satellite technology to deliver more capacity. Meanwhile, the FAA has relaxed the rules about personal electronic device use below 10,000 feet so you will soon find you can keep reading, playing your games and watching your movies right through landing and takeoff.

The real question now is whether you will be able to chat away on your cell phone during flights. The debate is on as the FCC is currently considering lifting a ban on cell phone use on planes. Some members of Congress are already moving to block in-flight calls.