July 24, 2002
Passport charges to increase
We have been told that "on Aug. 19, 2002, fees for passport services provided by the U.S. Department of State are scheduled to change. The revised fee schedule is as follows: age 16 and older, $55 application fee and $30 execution fee; under age 16, $40 application fee, $30 execution fee; passport renewal, $55; expedited service, $60; file search fee, $45. The Department said these changes are necessary to ensure it recovers the true cost of consular services." For more information on U.S. passports visit http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html
December 11, 2001
Airfare for Travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands Continues to Drop. American, Continental, Delta, United and US Airways Offer Deep Discounts
Air carriers that provide service into the United States Virgin Islands have recently made traveling to America's Caribbean even more affordable. American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways are offering travelers unbeatable discounts into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. Both USVI airports offer travelers the highest in safety measures and meet all Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
American Airlines
American Airlines recently announced new low fares for travel from many U.S. cities to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Travelers who book their tickets online at www.aa.com will save an additional 10 percent off already low fares. Airfare is lowest for travel Monday through Thursday, and slightly higher for Friday and weekend flights. Flights must be booked at least three days in advance and tickets must be purchased no later than December 28, 2001. Travel must begin no later than May 16, 2002, and return no later than May 19, 2002. Tickets are non-refundable, and blackout dates apply.
Fares from many East Coast cities begin at $328 and fares from many West Coast cities start at $498. American Airlines provides nonstop service to the USVI from Miami and New York's JFK airports and will resume nonstop service from Boston's Logan International Airport on December 15, 2001. Fares from Miami, New York and Boston, begin at $293, $319 and $356, respectively.
Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines has also dropped their fares for travel from many U.S. cities to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Continental provides nonstop service from Newark, NJ, to St. Thomas, with connecting flights from most major cities via Newark and San Juan. Fares from Newark begin as low as $375. To book a flight on Continental Airlines or receive information about the latest specials, visit www.continental.com. Tickets are non-refundable, and blackout dates apply.
Delta Air Lines
The cost of flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands via Delta airlines has recently dropped. The airline is offering travelers incredibly low fares from many U.S. cities. To take advantage of these fares, flights must be purchased three days in advance, no later than December 28, 2001, and travel must be completed no later than May 19, 2002. In addition, flights that are booked at www.delta.com will receive an additional 10 percent discount. Tickets are non-refundable, and blackout dates apply.
Delta Airlines provides nonstop service from Atlanta, GA, to St. Thomas, with connecting flights from many U.S. cities through Atlanta and San Juan. Fares from Atlanta begin at $368.
United Airlines
United Airlines is offering special fare savings to the U.S. Virgin Islands as a part of its "Sun Spots" promotion. Look for the green check mark online, and save an additional five percent when booking reservations on the airline's Web site at www.united.com. Travel to and from the USVI must be purchased three days in advance. Travel off-peak days, Mondays through Thursdays, for the best value. Travel on other days of the week is only slightly higher. This promotion is valid for travel through February 14, 2002, but tickets must be purchased no later than December 11, 2001. A three-night minimum stay is required for travel to and from the USVI with a 30-day maximum stay. Applicable blackout dates include: December 19-29, 2001 for travel to the USVI and December 30-January 7, 2002 for travel from the USVI. On weekends, United Airlines offers direct flights from Chicago's O'Hare and Washington's Dulles airports to St. Thomas. Rates start as low as $428 and $481 from Dulles and O'Hare, respectively.
US Airways
US Airways continues to offer daily nonstop service between Philadelphia and St. Thomas and will resume daily nonstop service on January 5, 2002 between Charlotte and St. Thomas. US Airways is currently offering a sale on fares to the United States Virgin Islands for travel now through February 14, 2002, for as low as $321. To take advantage of these discount fares, tickets must be purchased no later than December 11, 2001, at least three days prior to departure. These tickets are non-refundable, and a minimum three-day stay is required. Select blackout dates apply, and travelers must return within 30 days. Travelers can save an additional five percent off the ticket price by booking reservations online at www.usairways.com. Travelers can also earn up to 20,000 bonus miles (enough for a free ticket), if they register for a dividend miles account.
Other discount fares are available online for travel through May 19, 2002. Round-trip fares from Philadelphia and Charlotte start as low as $365 and $375, respectively. Tickets are non-refundable, and blackout dates apply.
December 13, 2001
American Airlines Resumes Nonstop Service Between Boston, MA and St. Thomas
American Airlines recently announced that the nonstop air service between Boston's Logan International Airport and the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas will resume on December 15, 2001. As always, the airline will continue to provide nonstop service from Miami and New York's JFK airports. For additional information about these flights or current American Airlines specials to the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.aa.com.
US Airways Announces Renewal of Nonstop Service Between Charlotte, NC and St. Thomas
Nonstop flights between Charlotte, NC and St. Thomas aboard US Airways will resume on January 5, 2002. As always, US Airways will continue to provide nonstop service between Philadelphia and St. Thomas. For additional information about these flights or additional flight specials from US Airways, visit www.usairways.com.
November 19, 2001
US Airways' Daily Nonstop Flights Between Charlotte, NC and St. Thomas To Resume
US Airways recently announced that the airline's daily nonstop flights between Charlotte, NC, and St. Thomas will resume, beginning January 6, 2002. The flight will depart from Charlotte, NC, at 8:30 a.m. every morning and arrive on St. Thomas at 1:17 p.m. The return flight to Charlotte, NC, will depart St. Thomas at 1:17 p.m. each day and arrive in Charlotte at 6:19 p.m., following a brief stop in San Juan. US Airways will continue daily nonstop flights between Philadelphia and St. Thomas. For additional information, call (800) 428-4322.
July 24, 2001
US Airways Offers Low Fares for Flights to St. Croix and St. Thomas
US Airways recently announced a spectacular savings program for flights to America's Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands. The incredibly low fares are available on flights to St. Croix and St. Thomas from September 4 until December 18, 2001. Round trip fares from major U. S. cities begin as low as $490. Interested travelers need to book their flights no later than July 27, by calling (800) 428-4322 or visiting www.usairways.com/reservations/. Travelers who book their flights online will receive an additional 5 percent savings and earn 1,000 bonus Dividend Miles. Participants who ticket their flights to a Dividend Miles Visa card will receive an additional 500 bonus Dividend Miles. A minimum Saturday night stay in the U.S. Virgin Islands is required to take advantage of these low fares.
January 14, 2001
Web Fares To The Caribbean
American Airlines is offering low roundtrip fares to the Caribbean when you purchase your tickets online. Fares are valid for departures between January 11 and February 22 with all return travel completed by February 28. Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance of travel, but no later than January 21.
A three-day minimum stay is required, and a maximum stay of 30 days is allowed. Fares are valid for travel Monday through Thursday. Tickets are non-refundable. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Taxes and airport fees are additional. Other restrictions may apply.
For more information or reservations, visit American Airlines’ Web site. Click on “Specials” and follow the link to “Web Only – Winter in the Caribbean.”
July 20, 2000 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
US Airways to Launch New Charlotte-St. Thomas Service
US Airways will add St. Thomas to its growing Charlotte, N.C.-Caribbean non-stop route network on November 12, 2000. From Charlotte, the flight will depart daily at 11:20 a.m., and will arrive in St. Thomas at 4:04 p.m. The return flight will include a stop in San Juan, PR. US Airways also provides non-stop service from Philadelphia to St. Thomas, continuing to St. Croix. For more information about fares and flights, call US Airways at (800) 428-4322, or visit the US Airways' Web site at www.usairways.com.
January 19, 2000 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
American Airlines To Offer Flights from Boston to USVI
Non-Stop Service to America's Paradise Begins February 18, 2000
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, January 19, 2000 - Vacationers wanting to escape the winter woes for sun and sand in the U.S. Virgin Islands will have another option for air transportation beginning next month. American Airlines announced plans to offer non-stop service between Boston's Logan Airports and St. Thomas.
American's flights from Boston airport to St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport will begin February 18. Service will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays each week.
"We are thrilled about the addition of these nonstop flights from Boston," Acting Commissioner of Tourism Monique Sibilly Hodge said. "The continued increase in airlift from the Northeast Corridor speaks of the strength of our tourism product - especially with respect to this market. This makes it even easier for visitors to travel to our American islands, even just for long weekends."
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for the inaugural flight. Government officials, Tourism officials and Hotel Association and Port Authority representatives will be among the representatives welcoming the first visitors arriving on the Boston flight to St. Thomas.
American Airlines also offers non-stop service to St. Thomas from New York (JFK) and Miami and non-stop flights to St. Croix from Miami.
For additional information about American Airlines' service to the USVI, call 800-474-4884 or 800-433-7300, or visit the Internet site at www.aa.com. Additional information about the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas) is available by calling 800-372-USVI.
January 18, 2000 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Cape Air, Delta Airlines Partnership Offers Convenient Connections and Lower Fares to USVI
Discounted or joint fares for travel to St. Thomas and St. Croix are now available for travelers originating from 170 U.S. destinations on Delta Airlines' flights. Delta Airlines offers convenient connections from San Juan, Puerto Rico or St. Thomas to St. Croix or St. Thomas on Cape Air, allowing vacationers more options when traveling to the territory. Cape Air recently expanded to provide hourly flights between St. Croix and Puerto Rico seven days a week. Five daily flights between St. Croix and St. Thomas are also available. For additional information about Cape Air, or to make reservations, call (800) 352-0714.
December 17, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Continental Airlines Offers Flights to the USVI
Vacationers planning trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands have another option for air transportation. Continental Airlines now offers daily, non-stop service between Newark/New York City and St. Thomas. Continental's flights from Newark airport to St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport began December 16. Flying time from Newark/New York City to St. Thomas is four hours and 10 minutes. Continental will use its new Boeing 737-700 aircraft, offering 124 seats and state-of-the-art audiovisual amenities, to serve St. Thomas. Continental is the fifth major airline offering service into the territory from the continental United States. For additional information about Continental Airlines' service to St. Thomas, call (800) 525-0280 (domestic) or (800) 231-0856 (international).
November 18, 1999, 4:30 p.m. EST - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
USVI Weathers Hurricane Lenny ~ Hotels Report No Structural Damage
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, NOVEMBER 18, 1999, 4:30 p.m. EST - Initial assessments of Hurricane Lenny's overall effect on the U.S. Virgin Islands' tourism industry are more positive than first anticipated given the storm's category-four rating. With maximum winds of 150 mph, Hurricane Lenny posed a major threat to the U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands in the Lesser Antilles during the last 48 hours. While St. Croix experienced more effects of the hurricane than its sister islands - St. Thomas and St. John - preliminary reports indicate that damage to the islands' hotels is minor, limited mostly to some beach erosion and landscape and water damage. Many hotels will be accepting guests tomorrow on all three islands. While hotels and tourism-related businesses are reporting no structural damage, one exception in the tourism infrastructure is St. Croix's Ann Abramson pier in Frederiksted, which has sustained some damage. There have been no official reports of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas' Cyril E. King airport reopened today at 9:15 a.m., and the Henry L. Rohlsen airport on St. Croix is expected to reopen tomorrow. St. Thomas' world-famous shopping district in Main Street will also be open for business tomorrow. Most power has been restored on the three islands, and telephone lines are up and operable. Governor Charles W. Turnbull has maintained telephone communications with officials from all three islands throughout the storm.
President Clinton, who is traveling in Turkey, has declared the territory an emergency area in response to Governor Turnbull's request for authorization of Federal relief and recovery assistance, a standard procedure in these circumstances.
Some erroneous and false reports of devastation have appeared occasionally in the national media. These false reports are caused by inaccurate rumors that have been picked up by some media and unfortunately distributed. Erroneous reports and false statements have been circulated about the King Christian Hotel on St. Croix losing its roof. The general manager of the property, Jeanine Bettertone, confirmed that there was no structural damage to the hotel whatsoever.
To read the complete press release visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Information Guide" (SCHEDULES AND INFORMATION section).
November 10, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
US Airways Celebrates End of the Century with Low Fares to the USVI
US Airways is offering new, low fares for travel to the USVI through February 17, 2000 for online tickets purchased no later than November 12, 1999. To take advantage of the low prices, tickets must be purchased at least 14 days in advance of travel and within 24 hours of making reservations. Roundtrip purchase and at least one Saturday night stay are required. Travelers purchasing tickets online through Personal TravelWorks, US Airways' Internet travel reservations system, will receive an additional discount of up to five percent for tickets purchased by November 12. When making online reservations, note that only itinerary fare codes ending with a WN or WNJT are discounted sale fares. For more information or reservations, visit the US Airways home page at www.usairways.com.
October 21, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Hurricane Jose No Problem for U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas and St. John Report Rain and Storm Misses St. Croix
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, October 21, 1999 - Numerous positive reports continue to come in from the U.S. Virgin Islands as telephone communications remain intact throughout the night and today. St. Thomas and St. John are experiencing some wind gusts and rain, while St. Croix didn't experience any tropical storm effects.
Acting Commissioner of Tourism Michael Bornn said, "We were fortunate to have escaped the storm. By the time Jose was getting near us, it had been significantly downgraded. I was in my office all day yesterday and am again here today . . . we prepared for the worst, but luckily, did not experience any hurricane-force storm effects."
The power was voluntarily turned off during the night by the government as a precautionary measure. When asked how the weather was now, a St. Thomian reported that is was just a rainy October day.
Richard Doumeng, president of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association, said, "Literally, not a palm frond was on the ground as I traveled to work this morning. This is the biggest fire drill that we've had in my lifetime. We are indeed thankful that the storm did not hit us, but it's now time to get back to business as usual."
Reports from St. Croix were even better. "We are fine . . . things look great and we received no ill effects of the tropical storm," said Peter Ross, president of the St. Croix Hotel and Tourism Association. "St. Croix was lucky on this one, we wouldn't have even known there was a storm nearby if we hadn't heard about it on the news. Christiansted, King's Alley and the rest of the island look great and we are continuing with our daily activities as usual."
Peter Locke of St. Croix's Chenay Bay Beach Resort said, "This was much ado about nothing . . . thankfully. Most of my guests elected to stay here when they heard reports of a possible storm. When we met for breakfast this morning, the visitors all told me they were glad they didn't listen to the pessimistic reports and are very happy to have stayed here on St. Croix."
"We know that we dodged a bullet on this one," said Acting Commissioner Michael Bornn, "and we are thankful. We look forward to serving our guests that are with us today, and welcoming our new visitors who will fly in tomorrow. St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are green, lush, beautiful - and, of course, blessed. We want to thank people for their calls of concern. The USVI is fine, and we'd like the media to truthfully report that we are fine."
According the National Weather Service, Jose has been downgraded to a tropical storm this morning as the storm moves northward into the Atlantic.
October 6, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
American Airlines Will Offer Additional Flights to the USVI in 2000
Vacationers will have another airline service to choose from when planning a trip to the USVI. American Airlines will offer direct service between Boston's Logan Airport and St. Thomas beginning February 18, 2000. Service will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays each week. For more information and for reservations, call American Airlines at (800) 433-7300 or visit the Internet site at www.aa.com
September 30, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Cape Air Teams Up With Department of Tourism for Joint Marketing Campaign
Cape Air recently announced that the airline will give $10,000 to the USVI Department of Tourism as part of a new joint marketing campaign called "We Believe" to promote the Caribbean as a premier tourist destination. Cape Air president Dan Wolf said that the first year of hourly service between PR and St. Thomas exceeded all of their expectations. Wolf said the monetary support to the Tourism Office is their way of giving back to a community that has been so welcoming and supportive to Cape Air. On November 4, Cape Air will begin service to St. Croix, which will include frequent inter-island service between St. Croix and St. Thomas. In addition, frequent inter-island service will begin between St. Thomas and Tortola on December 9. For more information, call (508) 790-3122. For reservations, call (800) 352-0714.
July 19, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Gulfstream International Airlines Announces Flights in the Territory
Gulfstream International Airlines recently announced its service into the USVI will begin November 1, 1999. Gulfstream, based in Florida and the Bahamas, will expand its service into the territory with a total of 18 daily roundtrip flights from San Juan, PR to St. Thomas and St. Croix. The airline will also offer inter-island travel between St. Thomas and St. Croix and connections to the U.S. mainland. For additional information about Gulfstream International Airlines' service to the USVI, call (800) 525-0280 (domestic) and (800) 231-0856 (international).
July 19, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Continental Airlines to Offer Flights to USVI
As announced earlier this week, Continental Airlines will begin service into the USVI on December 16, 1999. The airline will offer daily, non-stop service between Newark/New York City and St. Thomas. Beginning in December, Continental will become the fifth major airline offering service into the territory from the continental United States. For more information, call Continental's corporate communications office at (973) 681-1662, or call Continental's reservations line at (800) 525-0280 (domestic) or (800) 231-0856 (international).
July 9, 1999 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1-800-372-USVI
Win a Return Trip to the USVI Through "Picture Yourself In Paradise" Photo Contest
Vacationers who participate in the territory's "Picture Yourself in Paradise" summer promotion can win a trip back to America's Paradise next year. A vacationer on each island will be selected to receive a return visit for two, including air travel to the USVI compliments of Delta Vacations and a five-night stay at a participating resort on St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas. To enter the photo contest, vacationers should submit pictures of their USVI vacation experience. Any people featured prominently in the photos must be members of the contestants' respective party, who will be required to sign photo releases if their photo is chosen. Vacationers may submit up to five different photos with the following information included on the back of each photo: name, mailing address, daytime phone number and hotel or resort where vacationed. Send entries to St. Thomas-St. John Hotel & Tourism Association, P.O. Box 2300, St. Thomas, USVI 00803 or St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association, P.O. Box 24238, Gallows Bay, St. Croix USVI 00824.
For additional rules and information about the photo contest, call (800) 524-2026, or (340) 774-6835.
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