The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association hosted members of the yacht charter business Monday evening at Yacht Haven Grande, with speakers encouraging members to “Go out and generate income!”
That was the advice of VIPCA President Jennifer Augspurger, addressing the business meeting Monday night.
Luana Wheatly, from the Department of Tourism, opened the meeting by saying that the charter business is an “important part of the tourism industry” and the guests were “always welcome in the USVI.”
The State of the Industry Address was one of the initial events of the USVI Charter Yacht Show, which will run through Thursday, Nov. 14. The event drew 136 charter brokers, a 30 percent rise in participation from last year, with 75 boats in attendance for this year’s event, the association said.
Kamal Latham, from the Economic Development Association, let business owners know the Virgin Islands wanted to help them generate new business by encouraging them to do business in the territory.
The presentation started with drone pictures from Oct. 15 that show how well the territory is doing by showcasing some of the territory’s beautiful spots with aerial shots.
The Yacht Show is an industry event that allows yacht brokers to see the boats and meet crews and captains of yachts so they can give better recommendations to meet their clients’ needs.
On Thursday organizers have planned a day charter, cocktails and conference, for all booking agents, timeshare holders, AirBnB owners and day charter crews and owners. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. behind Havana Nines. Organizers encouraged those interested to register on the association’s website.
That’s great news about the charter industry growing on the island. However, a protest should be directed to our neighbors in thr BVI. They are overcharging our people to visit their islands. They are hurting, not helping tourism. Has anyone gone through customs on Tortola? The cost to daysail in BVI is turning people away. I’m one of them
George Johansen
Cowpet