July 23, 2003 – Based on ballots from readers of Successful Meetings magazine, the Virgin Islands will be a recipient of the publication's 2003 Pinnacle Award in recognition of the territory's destination meeting support organizations.
A release from Martin Public Relations, the territory's mainland publicity agency, described the award as "a symbol of excellence among meeting planners."
More than 75,000 readers of Successful Meetings — corporate sales and marketing executives, meeting and event planners, trade-show directors, and association executives involved with planning conventions and meetings — voted in the 19th annual awards poll.
According to the release, venues were evaluated on five criteria:
– Overall service/support to meetings, incentive travel programs and conventions.
– Overall quality of destination, hotels, meeting and trade show facilities.
– Promotional support.
– Supplier information.
– Registration and housing assistance.
It cited Tourism Commissioner Pamela Richards as saying that the territory is unique in offering the meetings and incentives market "year-round warm temperatures, first-class accommodations, favorable tax treatment, a professional atmosphere for business and exciting leisure-time activities."
The territory will be listed in the 2003 Successful Meetings' Pinnacle Awards Directory, which will be published in August, the release stated.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.