D.O.T., Encouraged By Visits From California, Makes Push Into L.A.

The Department of Tourism announced today that it made a strong foray into the Los Angeles, California market last week.

D.O.T. Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty stated that the territory has been encouraged by the number of visitors from the California market in recent years, and the department was hoping to nurture the relationship.

“Last year we welcomed more than 31,000 stay-over visitors from California and we will focus on increasing these numbers by pursuing a more active presence on the West Coast,” Mrs. Nicholson-Doty noted.

The commissioner reported strong interest from the group market after hosting a luncheon with meeting planners in Beverly Hills, an event which served as a precursor to January’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) familiarization visit to the territory, according to the release.

At a standing-room only event for 25 members of the media, also hosted by the D.O.T., journalists in attendance received timely news and updates about the territory, including the upcoming Centennial in 2017.

The destination, along with St. Croix’s Buccaneer Hotel, was featured at the Ebony Power 100 Gala held at The Beverly Hilton last Thursday evening. The event celebrated 100 of the world’s most inspiring African-Americans during an exciting, star-studded evening, and honored those who lead, inspire and demonstrate through their individual talents, the very best in Black America.

“We have to work very hard to earn the loyalty of every single visitor who travels to the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Mrs. Nicholson-Doty said, asserting that efforts to further penetrate the California market will continue in earnest. “Our goal in 2017 is to increase visibility in our top markets as well as to make inroads into emerging markets, as we woo travelers with a strong interest in visiting our islands.”

Feature Image: Beverly Nicholson-Doty, center left, with members of her team and meeting planners in Beverly Hills, California. (Credit: D.O.T.)