The USVI recently detailed a new marketing plan for the islands after the disastrous impact of two category 5 hurricanes in September.  The islands are rolling out a 150-day marketing strategy to help bring tourist dollars back to the islands.

“This new plan has been developed to establish priorities and a road map of activities we will pursue as our destination recovers,” Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty stated in a press release.

Nicholson-Doty noted that the new plan will have to remain fluid to handle the ever-changing conditions in the recovery process.

The main challenge for the department is they are funded by the island room tax, which is way down in the post-hurricane islands.

“With a significant number of accommodations unavailable for most of 2018, the marketing plan reflects working with a reduced budget,” she explained.

“Our digital marketing efforts will primarily focus on social media, where we will highlight segments such as cruise, shopping, dining, watersports, beaches, romance, culture, available accommodations and yachting,” she said. She wants the hashtag  #USVIStillNice to promote the islands are open for business and are welcoming guests.

“As we recover from the challenges posed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we have no doubt that there is an opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands – with a refreshed product and visitor experience – to become the premier tourism destination in the Caribbean,” the Commissioner stated.

She asserted that you will still see the USVI at industry trade and travel shows to help spread the word about everything from voluntourism to vacations in the USVI.