The event was attended by USVI Governor Albert B. Bryan Jr., Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, President of the 36th Legislature Senator Milton Potter,
Commissioner Designee of Tourism Jennifer
Matarangas-King, members of the VIPA Board of Directors, and
senior executives from Cruise Terminals International, iCON and Royal Caribbean
Group.
The redevelopment project will transform the existing Crown Bay Center into an enhanced waterfront district featuring upgraded commercial, recreational and cultural spaces. According to the partners, the project is expected to deliver tangible benefits for the local community, including job creation during construction and ongoing operations, new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and increased demand for local taxi drivers and tour operators.
“This initiative represents the future of tourism in
the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe. “To remain competitive in the rapidly changing
global tourism sector, we must continue to innovate and invest in experiences
that meet modern travelers’ expectations while benefiting our local community.
The redevelopment of the Crown Bay District aims to achieve this goal. It will
enhance our current standing and lay the groundwork for the next generation of
economic growth, opportunities, and destination development.”
Royal Caribbean Group highlighted the importance of aligning destination
development with community benefits. “Royal Caribbean Group proudly supports the
revitalization of the Crown Bay District,” said Melissa
Morales, Senior Director, Destination Development, Americas,
Caribbean, and Europe at Royal Caribbean Group. “By providing elevated experiences for our
guests while also paying respect to the local culture and delivering
significant economic benefits to the community, we can collectively usher in a
new future for U.S. Virgin Islands.”
From the developer perspective, CTI underlined the strategic importance of Crown Bay within its global portfolio. Kevin Goldstein, Head of Development for the Americas at Cruise Terminals International, said: “Crown Bay is a priority destination within CTI’s global portfolio, and this agreement provides the underpinning for a very significant and substantial long-term investment into St. Thomas and U.S. Virgin Islands. We are extremely excited to continue our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group and Virgin Islands Port Authority partners toward the realization of this ambitious and exciting redevelopment of Crown Bay.”
Tags: Virgin Islands Port Authority, Royal Caribbean Group Cruise Terminals International (CTI)