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Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Celebrating Caribbean Pride: U.S. Virgin Islands Leads with Impact at CTO Week in New York City
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, proudly celebrated a successful week of collaboration, connection, and cultural showcase during the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) annual Caribbean Week in New York City. The week of celebrations kicked off with a high-energy cultural activation at Citi Field during the New York Mets game, where the U.S. Virgin Islands brought vibrant island spirit to a sold-out crowd of 43,224 fans. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies lit up the stadium concourse, delighting attendees with the sights and sounds of the territory. The performance energized the fans and gave thousands of New Yorkers a taste of the USVI's rich cultural heritage, setting the tone for a dynamic Caribbean Week ahead. Held in the heart of Times Square, the four-day Caribbean Week event featured a series of CTO organizational meetings and insight-driven panels highlighting voices from across the Caribbean and the global tourism industry. Commissioner Boschulte helped kick off the week with a powerful welcome address, encouraging deeper regional collaboration and reinforcing the collective economic impact of Caribbean tourism. Following his remarks, Commissioner Boschulte participated in the 'Around the Caribbean in 60 Minutes' panel, joining tourism leaders from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Martin. The panel was moderated by Emmy Award–winning travel journalist Peter Greenberg and focused on regional trends, opportunities, and the shared vision for a stronger Caribbean. 'Each year, the team at CTO curates a meaningful event that brings together the Caribbean's top leaders and changemakers,' said Commissioner Boschulte. 'As a proud member of the CTO, the U.S. Virgin Islands remains committed to deepening cross-regional partnerships that not only enhance our tourism sector but also contribute to the long-term growth of our local economy.' On Tuesday, the U.S. Virgin Islands hosted and sponsored the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, benefitting the CTO Foundation. Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, a member of the foundation's board, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by Commissioner Boschulte's remarks on the importance of investing in the next generation of tourism professionals and regional leaders. Special guests included St. Thomas native Pastor Gilford Montrose, faith advisor to the Mayor of New York City, and iHeart Radio's DJ Whutever, whose roots trace back to both St. Thomas and St. John—underscoring the deep cultural connections between the U.S. Virgin Islands and New York City. The Tri-State area remains the U.S. Virgin Islands' largest source market, making Caribbean Week an essential opportunity to connect directly with travelers, media, and stakeholders from the region. Beyond the official CTO events, the Department of Tourism also sponsored the annual AFAR Happy Hour, hosted by AFAR Media CEO Greg Sullivan and Caribbean Ambassador Barry Brown. Guests were welcomed by USVI cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies before enjoying signature cocktails sponsored by Mutiny Island Vodka in a vibrant, invite-only celebration of Caribbean culture. To cap off the week, the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation brought the spirit of Carnival to Times Square during the first-ever CTO Caribbean Cultural Showcase. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies delighted crowds with an electrifying pop-up performance at the Crossroads of the World, captivating tourists and locals alike. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism remains focused on strengthening regional ties, reflected in the expansion of inter-Caribbean airlift, including recently added routes to St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Dominican Republic and Saint Barthélemy. For more photos from Caribbean Week, click here. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (
Travel Daily News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Daily News
Caribbean Week in New York to feature Caribbean Cultural Showcase
CTO launches Caribbean Cultural Showcase at CWNY 2025, spotlighting music, cuisine, and heritage to promote authentic, sustainable tourism across the region. NEW YORK – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has added an exciting new event to the Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) 2025 schedule: the Caribbean Cultural Showcase. Celebrating Caribbean music, dance, cuisine and artistry, the event will take place at The Westin New York at Times Square on Thursday, June 5, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The Caribbean Cultural Showcase will provide attendees with an immersive experience of authentic Caribbean culture, featuring performances, culinary delights, and displays of island artistry. Visitors will have the opportunity to win trips to various Caribbean destinations and access exclusive travel deals available only during the event. 'We're thrilled to introduce the Caribbean Cultural Showcase as part of our expanded Caribbean Week program,' said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the CTO. 'This new addition reflects our commitment to sharing the rich cultural tapestry that makes our region so unique. Beyond our beaches and natural beauty, the Caribbean's diverse heritage, expressed through our music, dance, art and cuisine, is a powerful tourism asset that resonates with travelers seeking authentic experiences.' Caribbean Week in New York 2025's theme, 'Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow's Tourism,' aligns perfectly with the Caribbean Cultural Showcase – as the aim is to highlight the region's cultural heritage as a cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. The event provides a platform for the Caribbean diaspora communities in New York to reconnect with their roots while introducing potential visitors to the rich experiences awaiting them across the region. Caribbean Week in New York 2025 remains the premier Caribbean tourism event in North America, offering stakeholders unparalleled engagement opportunities with industry leaders, media representatives and travel enthusiasts. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region's finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO's vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology.
