USVI Provides Incentives to Book Small Hotels

The U.S. Virgin Islands is marketing its small hotels (50 rooms or less) in a big way this summer. And the initiatives are paying off, according to Beverly Nicholson Doty, tourism commissioner.

“With input from the small hotels, we’ve implemented a customized program that is resulting in increased exposure and business for participating properties,” she said.

The initiatives include the Inntimate Treasures package launched in June, which features $50 worth of attractions and activities coupons, a $50 dining certificate, a bottle of Cruzan rum and a tee shirt.

The package, which must be booked through a travel agent by Oct. 31, already has accounted for 6,000 bookings, according to the USVI Department of Tourism.

A new small-hotels section will debut in a bimonthly e-newsletter in September that will reach local businesses, travel partners and media. A small-hotels brochure will be released in January.

The destination’s website soon will feature small hotels as a distinct category of accommodations, Nicholson-Doty said.

The USVI Department of Tourism also is waiving the registration fees for all licensed USVI hotels with 50 rooms or less to attend the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s annual Small Hotels Retreat in St. Thomas, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.