Here's the Aug. 3 edition of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourislm Association Bulletin with information about what's going on within the hospitality industry.
Johnson & Wales training program under way
At Marriot's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort, 36 students from 10 association member companies have completed the first two weeks of a six-week training program hosted by the HTA and Johnson and Wales University. The program ends Aug. 26. A continuation session is planned for late fall.
750 agents complete seminars-in-print
The Tourism Department and 10 St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas hotels sponsored a series of Travel Weekly seminars-in-print. A flyer on the Picture Yourself in Paradise summer promotion and a congratulatory letter will be direct mailed to each of the agents. The association plans a second direct mailing in late fall when the 2000 Travel Planner is completed. Plans are under way to host four weekend familiarization visits for agents who complete the program.
Principal-for-a-Day volunteers sought
HTA president Richard Doumeng wants to start a Principal-for-a-Day program. Modeled after a successful New York program, it would place top company executives in the territory's public schools for a day. The idea is to bring the plight of the school system to major corporations, thereby perhaps leading to initiatives to help improve the schools.
Committees need members
The HTA is forming a new Restaurant and Bar Committee and a Small Hotels, Guest Houses and Inns Committee. HTA president Richard Doumeng says the committees are "essential to address the specific needs of these segments of our membership." Those interested in serving on either committee should contact the HTA office.
300-plus agents booked
More than 300 agents booked on the August Travel Agent Month program. In its fourth year, the program is growing in popularity. Agents began calling in January, HTA executive director Beverly Nicholson said. Agents visiting in August receive information on the Picture Yourself in Paradise promotion, What To Do St. Thomas-St. John, a Shopping Shuttle certificate and the coupon savings book developed by the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
Sports Day set for October
The HTA is planning a fun and sports day for its membership on the Sunday before Columbus Day at Bolongo Bay Beach Club. Kayaking, volleyball, basketball, waiter obstacle races, a cheerleaders square-off and tug-of-war are among the planned competitions. Food and drink sales will benefit the Alton Adams Scholarship Fund. Teams must represent HTA members, although they can have non-association members as participants.
New member services offered
Petra Phipps heads the HTA's new Membership Services Department. It's responsible for improving member benefits, membership recruitment and community relations. Ideas are welcome.
Free Enabling Vacationer workshop set
The HTA will sponsor a free Enabling Vacationer workshop in the second half of August at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort. Sugar Bay general manager Rik Blyth helped to organize the workshop as a benefit to HTA members. Space is limited. The date and time will be announced.
12 properties to go V.I. Calling
Bolongo, Marriott, Renaissance, Sapphire and Westin St. John will have representation at the Aug. 23-28 V.I. Calling tour. The travel agent education seminars are sponsored by the Tourism Department and led by the director of offshore services, Alicia Torres Gustav. The seminars will take place in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. HTA staff member Kirsten Brunn will represent seven hotels, several attractions and retailers. She'll distribute cooperative brochures, What To Do St. Thomas-St. John and flyers on the Travel Agent Month and Picture Yourself in Paradise promotions.
Serv Safe seminar planned
John Eck of Sanitation Solutions, a certified National Restaurant and Bar Association instructor, will conduct a Serv Safe Food Seminar for the HTA on Aug. 23 at Bolongo Bay Beach Club. Travelers are increasingly concerned about food-related illnesses, many of which can be avoided with proper knowledge about storage, serving and cleaning.
Six members go co-op in Travel Agent
Bluebeard's Resorts, Bolongo Bay Beach Club, Point Pleasant, Sapphire Beach, Wyndham Sugar Bay and the Westin St. John have teamed up for a cooperative advertising series of seven full- page placements in Travel Agent magazine. "By participating collectively in this section, members secure attractive pricing and provide consistent destination exposure," HTA Marketing Committee chair Beverly Nicholson stated. The ads are appearing June through December of this year.
Fam visits scheduled through November
The HTA has hosted fam visits from the United Kingdom, American Airlines and, for the first time, a specialty group focusing on the villa and condominium market. Several more groups are scheduled. After inspecting 15 to 20 properties in a single weekend, agents complained they couldn't differentiate among hotels. This prompted the HTA to review its fam trip procedures. To ensure that agents don't leave the islands without a true vacation experience, site inspections are now limited to properties providing a reception or meal. Time is programed in to allow agents to experience activities, attractions and shopping.
Arts Alive fest set for November
The Arts Alive Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair in Tillett Gardens is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-28. Information is available for prospective exhibitors by calling Rhoda Tillett at 775-1929, faxing to 775-9482 or e-mailing to tillet@islands.vi.
