USVI Looks to Attract More Caribbean Nationals

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is offering an extra warm welcome this year to its Caribbean neighbors and to the region's Diaspora.

After hosting a number of Caribbean and Caribbean-American journalists, editors and community leaders at last month's Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) in St. Thomas, the USVI Department of Tourism has teamed up with TEMPO Networks this month in an effort to reach many more Caribbean nationals across the region and in the United States.

"With TEMPO's launch in the United States, we are keen to encourage Caribbean nationals to come and sample our special Virgin Islands brand of hospitality," said Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, in a written statement.

Among the promotional benefits offered by the partnership between TEMPO and New Jersey's Star-Ledger newspaper is a luxury four-night prize trip giveaway to the island of St. Croix, home of TEMPO founder Frederick Morton, Jr.

Other promotional elements include display ads in the Star-Ledger, an online travel feature on NJ.com, high rotation commercial airplay, online integration, and cross channel promotion on News 12, BET and the Travel Channel.

Of the millions of Americans who visit the Caribbean each year, Morton noted a greater percentage travel from the northeastern seaboard of the United States.

"And, when they bring that love of the region back to the United States, they not only fondly remember their experience, they also share the Caribbean culture they've experienced with potential travelers - TEMPO provides an important platform to share those memories and experiences," he said.

The winning pair of the New Jersey sweepstakes will have the opportunity to stay at the historic Buccaneer Hotel on St. Croix, and will receive round-trip airfares and certificates to spend on activities, shopping and dining.

TEMPO, which celebrates the music, culture and lifestyle of the Caribbean, reports reaching about 3.5 million viewers throughout the Caribbean and on Cablevision in the U.S. where programming is available for cable subscribers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

For contest details, visit www.gotTEMPO.com. The entry deadline is Sunday, January 22.

Visit www.VisitUSVI.com