Mapp’s Latest Atlanta Trip Detailed

ST. THOMAS — Governor Kenneth Mapp and the Department of Tourism this week concluded what has been deemed a “strategic mission” to Atlanta, which focused on attracting attention from business investment influencers, airline executives, travel, lifestyle and multicultural media as well as Virgin Islanders living in the Atlanta area, according to a press release DOT issued late Thursday.

“We want to thank Governor Mapp for devoting his time and effort to leading this mission to Atlanta,” DOT Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty said. “With nonstop flights to both St. Croix and St. Thomas from Atlanta, this is an extremely important market for our territory and the mission provided great value in promoting our unique offerings and visitor experiences to the area’s residents.”

According to the release, the mission began with Governor Mapp and Commissioner Nicholson-Doty hosting a tourism ambassadors reception on Saturday, July 18. More than 100 Virgin Islanders attended the event, which included live music by Virgin Islands musician Ryan J and entertainment by three carnival dancers.

Business leaders listen to Governor Kenneth Mapp speak in Atlanta.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Ambassadors Program is dedicated to Virgin Islanders living outside the territory who want to stay connected to home and become involved in promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands.

On Sunday, July 19, the Governor addressed close to 4,000 worshipers at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Austell, Georgia, under the leadership of Bishop Dale Bronner.

Monday, July 20 proved to be the busiest day of the mission, the release made known. Mapp met with executives from Delta Airlines to discuss nonstop routes to the territory and cooperative marketing initiatives. The Governor also hosted a special luncheon for 17 Atlanta-based business investment influencers, where he and Commissioner of Property and Procurement Randolph Bennett, spoke about incentives and opportunities to do business in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

That evening, Governor Mapp and Commissioner Nicholson-Doty welcomed close to 40 journalists at a media reception. After an introduction by the Commissioner, the Governor spoke about the territory’s offerings, new developments, and close connection to the Atlanta area. There were media representatives from outlets such as Atlanta Magazine, CBS, Delta Sky, Georgia Lifestyles Magazine and U.S. News & World Report. Attendees were treated to Caribbean-inspired hors d’oeuvres, live music and a signature cocktail featuring Cruzan rum.

On Tuesday, July 21, Department of Tourism representatives also hosted a luncheon for top travel agents in the Atlanta area. The agents in attendance shared their thoughts about travel to the territory and were briefed on the latest news and developments to help them better sell USVI vacations to their clients.

Mapp and Nicholson-Doty wrapped up the week by meeting face-to-face with eight Atlanta-based media outlets, including a live television interview on CBS’ Atlanta Plugged In, found here, and radio interviews with the Wall Street Business Network’s “Bryan Crabtree Show“, WSB’s “Perspectives with Condace Pressley”, and Future Movement Radio, a Caribbean radio show reaching the Caribbean diaspora in Atlanta.

The governor and Tourism commissioner also sat down with editors from national, consumer travel, lifestyle and multicultural outlets such as the Atlanta Black Star, Atlanta Journal Constitution, CNN, and Forbes.

“Our connection to Virgin Islanders, business leaders and travelers in the Atlanta area is of utmost importance to our islands, and this mission was a great success in sustaining and developing these relationships,” said Governor Mapp.