CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas -- In an effort to build incremental
business during a traditionally slack period, the U.S. Virgin
Islands will launch its Fall Into America's Caribbean promotion for
the September-to-December period.
Beverly Nicholson, executive director of the St. Thomas/St. John
Hotel & Tourism Association, said the aim is "to build
incremental business during the off season -- to tap those visitors
who initially might not be planning a trip but are motivated by the
package incentives and prices."
Nicholson also said that hoteliers want to ride the crest of
what they describe as "a decent summer."
Although they reported a decrease in the actual number of
bookings this summer over last, occupancy levels are up by 10% to
15%, according to Nicholson.
"The fall promotion is, in some ways, an extension of our Summer
Bucket of Savings promotion that was extended through the end of
August," she said.
"However, our fall program has a new incentive that specifically
targets St. Croix. Visitors who book the fall program and return in
2004 will be entitled to a room credit or discounted rate at St.
Croix hotels."
The fall promotion must be booked through a participating tour
operator between Sept. 1 and Dec. 15 for travel between Oct. 1 and
Jan. 10.
Operators include Apple Vacations, Certified Vacations, Gogo
Worldwide Vacations, Inter Island Tours, Island Resort Tours and
Travel Impressions.
The territory offered a similar promotion after 9/11, but it did
not have as many hotel participants (20 properties on the three
islands are participating this fall) nor did it feature as many
value-added incentives.
Incentives include an additional night's lodging when travelers
book a minimum four-night stay; a booklet of coupons worth more
than $1,000 at local restaurants, visitor attractions, shops and
other venues; and a $100 American Express Travelers Check.
Program details can be viewed at the association's Web site at
www.sttstjhta.com.
To contact reporter Gay Nagle Myers, send e-mail to [email protected].