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Why we Love the U.S. Virgin Islands
As the third generation owner and general manager of The Buccaneer, I am pleased to help continue building the tourism sector in the Virgin Islands. Through our partnership with our Economic Development Authority and the Department of Tourism, we have been able to succeed in employing 225 local resident workers, and support the community in education, conservation, health, the arts, and more. In business on St Croix for 72 years, we look forward to welcoming new businesses to join us in developing tourism in a sustainable, thoughtful way, and to enhance our offerings to attract even more guests to our beautiful islands.
Since opening Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden in 2015, I have had tremendous support from the Department of Tourism (DOT). The staff at DOT has continually gone over and beyond in supporting my business as they market Phantasea on their website and frequently reach out to ensure that our information is up to date. Although only open for four years, the unique experience of the "Real Virgin Islands" that Phantasea provides is something that tourists enjoy, locals can be proud of, and the reason that we are rated as the #1 recommended tourist attraction on St. Thomas on TripAdvisor. We thank DOT for being an active advocate on our behalf and the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority for providing tax benefits that incentivizes Phantasea to be a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I look forward to many years of success with the partnerships we’ve created with DOT and the VIEDA.
Beyond fulfilling the dream of ownership, we asked ourselves the essential question of how to succeed in such a competitive marketplace - a world in which travelers have instant access to literally thousands of choices at their fingertips. The answers: Firstly, utilize all the tools at our disposal to improve and market our company. The VI Economic Development Authority assists in capital improvements and spurring employment, and the USVI Department of Tourism, whose sole endeavor is to guide people to the island. Secondly, be different, unique and create something that no one else has to offer in the same way. Sand Castle is uniquely situated physically to offer just that: part of the US Virgin Islands for easy access from the American market, located on the island’s prime swimming beach and structurally able to offer accommodation to a wide variety of clientele. Operationally, our philosophy regarding guests is single-minded: to offer hands on hospitality where guests experience a level of personal interaction with us that make them feel welcomed, appreciated and part of a truly special travel experience – not just their time at the hotel itself – but for the island of St Croix as a whole.