Following an official proclamation from the governor, the Tourism Department kicked off a full slate of activities Tuesday in honor of Annual National Travel and Tourism Week.
The activities—which are aimed at building awareness about tourism’s impact on the local economy, emphasizing the value of good customer service and proudly displaying V.I. culture—run until May 14 on all three islands.
A re-launch of a public service announcement (PSA) campaign supplying tips to help enhance customer service at local businesses and agencies is also part of the effort and can be found in local newspapers or heard on the radio, according to a Tourism Department news release.
The PSAs also encourage residents to take the department’s customer service pledge—a recent initiative born out of the Tourism’s Mysterious Shopper Survey, in which participants were asked to comment on the territory’s strengths and weaknesses. The department will continue to provide training and include pledge signings at this week’s public events.
"This industry is critical to our economy, and it is imperative we employ the necessary measures to ensure its success," acting Tourism Commissioner Brad Nugent said in Tuesday’s release.
This week’s activities are:
May 10
Wear Red Day — in a show of unity and support for the tourism industry, all hospitality and government employees are encouraged to wear a red item of clothing or red accessory. Additionally, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Spectrum Band will be playing to visitors at the Crown Bay Marina, where local mocko jumbies will also be providing entertainment.
May 11
St. John Hospitality Day — St. John will come alive from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday with entertainment at the Creek and Visitors Bureau in Cruz Bay. Local artisans, along with storyteller Gilbert Sprauve will be on site, while Tourism will provide visitor information and distribute branded giveaways.
Hotel & Tourism Association’s Career Fair — Tourism staff will participate in this fair on St. Thomas from 9 a.m. to noon at the Charlotte Amalie High School gym to showcase different careers in tourism.
Entertainment at Henry Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix — steel pan musician Noel Winter will entertain airline passengers from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entertainment at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas — entertainer Oleik Ledee will welcome airline passengers from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
May 13
Travel Service Professional Appreciation Day (St. Croix & St. Thomas) — the department will be hosting a reception for the employees at both Cyril E. King and Henry Rohlsen airports from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an initiative that communities nationwide are celebrating. Tourism will provide refreshments, branded giveaways, and strongly encourages the employees to pledge to deliver excellent customer service.
May 14
Christiansted Walk & Talk, St. Croix– residents and visitors are invited to stroll the historic streets of Christiansted with CHANT Executive Director Frandelle Gerard, beginning at 9 a.m. Children are welcome.
