The U.S. Virgin Islands are keen to work with their Caribbean neighbors on programs to improve tourism in the area – as the industry looks to recover from the pandemic.

In other words, the plan is to help competing destinations in the region work together to advance the regional industry as a whole.

Or, as Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett calls it, “Coopetition”.

US Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte recently had talks with Bartlett about this very idea.

“The Caribbean is the most sought-after warm weather travel destination, and we know how to deliver world-class experiences to our discerning guests,” said Boschulte, who believes it is important to bring together the best minds in the region to promote Caribbean brand marketing to the global market Market.

Bartlett and Boschulte agreed on the need to “use the strengths of regional destinations to overcome weaknesses”.

Both also pointed to key trends emerging over the past 15 months, including “the loyalty and resilience of urban African-American professionals who have been key drivers of travel recovery in both destinations.”

“Regional cooperation is essential to our success and we need to continue to share best practices, particularly on public health safety protocols, even when the travel community is vaccinated,” said Commissioner Boschulte.

– CJ

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