St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas – three unique and beautiful Caribbean islands – offer superb meeting facilities, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and breathtaking views of the Caribbean, all in one destination. Plan for the ultimate business meeting and enjoy year-round warm temperatures, first-class accommodations, favorable tax treatment, a professional atmosphere for business and exciting leisure-time activities to enjoy when the work is done.
Corporate meeting planners will particularly enjoy the ease of arranging meetings in this American territory. While visitors from the U.S. mainland should carry proof of citizenship, no passports, currency exchanges or inoculations are required to visit these American islands.
Major airlines offer daily service into the territory including direct flights from several major U.S. cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami. Non-stop air service will also be available from Chicago and Washington, D.C. beginning this fall and from Newark beginning this winter.
Because the USVI is a territory under the American flag, the tax treatment available for mainland meetings and conferences is also available on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
Companies can deduct costs as business expenses unlike costs incurred for conventions held in Europe, South America and many other Caribbean locations that must meet specific requirements to qualify for the tax-deductible status. A variety of meeting facilities are available to accommodate both small and large groups.
Whether planning for a group of high-level industry executives or a sales group traveling with spouses and children in tow, professional consultants with local knowledge are available to coordinate the necessary facilities and activities for the entire group.
Indoor and outdoor meeting spaces are available for conducting both casual and more formal functions. The latest technologies can be supplied for well-organized and efficient presentations. Easy shipping is also available through the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Hotels and resorts on each island can provide accommodations to suit each group's needs.
After business has been completed, there is plenty to do for fun, relaxation or building camaraderie within the group. Network or finalize your business deals while teeing off on St. Thomas, and St. Croix's 18-hole championship golf courses.
Adventurous colleagues can enjoy the thrill of kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, snorkeling, parasailing and scuba diving.
Those who want to take it at an even slower pace can escape from all of the work-related stress by relaxing on our white-sand beaches and enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters.
Shopping is also among the favorite activities that visitors enjoy when traveling to our islands. The USVI offers the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean. Visitors can find designer merchandise, perfumes, leather goods and other special gifts at fantastic discounts.
Each visitor can purchase up to $1,200 worth of merchandise without sales tax and customs duties ¾ twice the limit of any other Caribbean island and three times that of European countries. The U.S. dollar is the currency, and sales tax is excluded from all purchases of food, beverages and retail items. Travelers' checks and major credit cards are also honored.
The language is English and the laws are American, but the tropical ambience and cultural diversity of our islands are unrivaled. St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas have a rich cultural heritage steeped in West Indian history.
For visitors interested in cultural and historical tours, there are countless churches, museums, sugar mills and rum factories to explore.
No trip to the USVI would be complete without sampling the destination's cuisine. The USVI offers a unique variety of West Indian foods and beverages including kallaloo, fungi, curried chicken, plantains and johnny cakes. Fresh seafood such as lobster and conch are local delicacies.
The U.S. Virgin Islands also offers something most other meeting destinations cannot – a multiple island experience. Travel between our three uniquely different islands is easy and affordable. Seaplanes, hydrofoils, ferry services, helicopters and commuter flights are available for anyone who wants to take a quick day trip to see the attractions of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, visitors to St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are sure to experience paradise. For a productive and enjoyable meeting, plan your next conference or convention in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, call the U.S. Virgin Islands Visitor's Center at (800) 374-USVI to request a copy of the USVI Meetings and Incentives Planner or email your requests to tourism@usvi.org.
