Frenchman’s Reef Marriott Resort, Sugar Bay, To Remain Closed For Repairs Until 2019; Ritz-Carlton Through Oct. 2018

ST. THOMAS — Well over a thousand people in the hospitality industry, specifically those employed at an array of hotels in St. Thomas, will be out of work through 2018 and others through 2019, as major hotels in St. Thomas will remain closed during the aforementioned years for repairs.

That’s according to the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association, which issued a release late Wednesday following its first meeting after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, two storms that collectively ravaged the entire U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to the association, properties projected to be closed until 2019 include: Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, Caneel Bay Resort and Flamboyan on the Bay Resort and Villas.

Properties projected to open in 2018 include: Emerald Beach Resort (Jan.), Marriott Frenchman’s Cove (Feb.), Margaritaville Vacation Club, Wyndham (Feb.), The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas (Feb.), Elysian Beach Resort (spring), Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (June), Bluebeard’s Beach Club (fall), The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (Oct.) and The Westin St. John Resort and Villas (Oct.).

And properties ready to open in 2017 include: Lindberg Bay Hotel and Villas, Mafolie Hotel, Island View Guesthouse, Windward Passage Hotel, Gallows Point Resort and St. Croix accommodations.

The closures for repairs represent well over a 1,000 jobs; the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort alone employed 400 full-time and part-time workers, according to Governor Kenneth Mapp.

Projections for tourism industry post-hurricanes

According to Lisa Hamilton, president of the association, the 2017-2018 winter tourism season in the territory presents many opportunities for medium and small hotels, timeshares, and the marine and cruise ship industries. Ms. Hamilton noted that the territory’s economy will likely be in recovery mode until December, as most properties are hosting relief workers.

During the meeting, the USVIHTA Board of Directors discussed the status of association members, including accommodations ranging from small villas to large resorts, timeshares, activities, attractions, restaurants, shops, marine, air and cruise lines.

While projections for the upcoming 2017-2018 winter tourism season show that a majority of the large resorts and hotels on St. Thomas and St. John will remain closed for renovations and repair, medium and small properties as well as businesses on St. Thomas and St. John in addition to properties and businesses on St. Croix, will be ready to open once power is restored to each island, the association said. While these are the current predictions, the schedule is flexible, it added.

“The closure of the largest properties in the territory at the same time is not ideal, but it presents opportunities for us to renovate and update the tourism product. And while the hotels focus on revealing a polished, new product, USVIHTA will continue to promote properties and members who came out of the storms with minimal damage,” Ms. Hamilton said. “Many of our members are up and running and ready to welcome guests today. However, restoring the territory’s infrastructure, airport and hospitals is essential prior to welcoming visitors back.”

USVIHTA representatives and hoteliers met with Dept. of Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and other D.O.T. officials on Thursday to discuss members’ status and how best to promote tourism in the territory. The commissioner asked for timelines from hotels regarding prospective open dates, noting that the department plans to align marketing with hotels as they reenter the marketplace.

“Everyone is invested in creating a renewed and re-energized product, even those who are still assessing damages. The focus on community and human capital is paramount,” Ms. Hamilton noted.

Last week, representatives from the cruise industry visited the territory to discuss returning cruise ship traffic, which will resume in early Nov. The Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands is working closely with downtown real estate and retailers to make this happen. Water transit in the USVI and to the British Virgin Islands is operating in conjunction with curfews. Airports have reopened to commercial traffic and plan to expand flight options based on demand.

Feature Image Credit: Ernice Gilbert, VIC