USVI visitors want more authentic experiences

ST THOMAS, USVI – The US Virgin Islands commissioner of tourism has asserted that local people and local experiences have become the biggest draw for travellers to the Territory.

Speaking to participants at the recent Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) in Miami, Florida, Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of tourism designee for the Territory, said that studies have shown that the focus for visitors has shifted over the past few years from shopping and beaches to culture and the people.

“What we’ve found is that we still get almost two million people a year but the focus is now on the soul of the territory, which is our food, our music, our arts and most importantly our people,” he said.

Responding to these shifts has been a priority for the territory to retain its leading status in the region. “First and foremost, from a tourism leadership position, we have to understand the market, why people travel to the Caribbean. Once we understand that, then it’s our job to make sure our destination meets those needs of people who travel to our part of the region,” said Boschulte, who participated in a panel discussion on “The Cultural and Experiential Value Proposition for Hotels/Resorts”.

Read more: https://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/2019/06/05/usvi-visitors-want-more-authentic-experiences/