The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism aggressively promoted the Territory’s Open Door’s policy during the U.S. Travel Association's IPW 2022 Conference in Orlando, Florida June 4-8, 2022, to international buyers, wholesalers and travel specialists.
The USVI footprint, as a major sponsor, remained visible throughout the entire conference showcasing the islands as a marquis Caribbean destination, which stands ready for international business. Branded activations included USVI imagery in the conference’s app and across the show’s entrance and floor, the USVI logo was prominently positioned in all programs and IPW branded signage. The department showcased the territory’s rich culture through live performances at three major events with local dancers, Mocko Jumbies, and a steel pan drummer. Key events included - USVI Media Marketplace, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a reception with USVI inspired dishes. At the reception, Commissioner Joseph Boschulte gave brief remarks and warmly introduced Chris Thompson, the CEO of Brand USA.
Over 4800 conference participants energetically engaged with an estimated 1000 exhibitors on the conference floor. The USVI team conducted 60+ appointments from buyers, airlines reps, DMOs, and international press at the destination’s booth. The Commissioner and other key team members met with over 30 media outlets during the media marketplace all eager to write about the destination’s new and exciting developments, as well as unique stories.
Commissioner Joseph Boschulte presented tourism updates to over 200 journalists at the USVI press conference touting the Department of Tourism’s strategy of aggressively focusing on increasing airlift and overnight stays resulting in the region’s incredible tourism growth despite the pandemic and ongoing recovery post 2017 Hurricanes.
“We continue to consider ourselves very fortunate as our islands were able to recover quickly and position ourselves strongly thanks to our government’s strategic direction and leadership during the pandemic,” says Commissioner Boschulte. “As one of the first Caribbean destinations to engage international markets during this period with sales activations to Denmark and Italy, the territory stands ready for international business culminating this strategy with strong positioning at IPW. We want to continue this momentum by building upon our existing relationships and forging new opportunities in international market with the hope of diversifying the visitor makeup to the U.S Virgin Islands.”
More than 60 countries gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the 53rd annual IPW, the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the number-one driver of international tourism to the United States. Travel professionals from around the world gathered at IPW, including hotels, attractions, sports teams, cruise lines and airlines as well as tour operators, buyers and wholesalers.
USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte (center) is pictured with Brad Dean from Discover Puerto Rico (left) and Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International (right).