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These Two Assets Historically Limited To Ultra-Wealthy Investors Have Seen Triple Digit Returns Over The Past Decade – Vint Expands Access With Latest Fund

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Invest in long-term appreciation opportunities through fine wine and rare whisky here. Great taste and a nice buzz aren’t the only things you can toast when it comes to fine wine and rare whisky. There’s also the potential for a nice return on them as asset classes. Over the past few years, fine wine and rare whisky prices have witnessed growth as investors turn to them as a way to diversify and hedge against inflation. The Knight Frank Fine Wine Icons Index (KFFWII), which tracks a sector of wines that represent the fine wine investment market, is up 149% over the past ten years. Meanwhile, the Knight Frank Rare Whisky index, which tracks the auction results of a basket of rare Scottish single malts, is up 586% over the past decade. Leveling The Playing Field Despite the returns, getting access to this multi-billion dollar market historically favored by the ultra-wealthy can be difficult for regular investors. Historically, industry insiders and members of hard-to-get-on allocation lists are the ones who get to take part in this alternative investment opportunity. That’s changing thanks to companies like Vint. The platform for wine and spirits collection investing is leveling the playing field through its equity products and marketplace, giving investors and consumers access to fine wine and rare spirits with the potential for long-term appreciation. Learn more about the fine wines and whiskies at Vint’s marketplace. Vint’s innovation aims to capitalize on emerging trends while improving access to these investment opportunities. Demand for the top French wines is growing at the same time that access to them is proving difficult. That has created what the company says is a significant pricing delta among the U.S., Europe and Asia for many of these assets. Through its funds, Vint aims to give investors an efficient and tax-advantaged investment product to capitalize on this arbitrage. The company uses collected investor capital to buy physical bottles and cases of wine and whisky in one region and sell them in another. Once an asset sale is made, Vint reinvests the funds and any gains into new purchases. Best Of Both Worlds With Vint’s New Fund To encapsulate that opportunity in both the wine and whisky markets, Vint recently launched the Vint Futures and Casks I (VV-FC1) fund. Open to accredited investors with a minimum investment of $2,500, the goal of the fund is to give investors a blended approach to investing in wine and spirits and capture the quality potential from recent vintages of top wine from Bordeaux and other regions while also leveraging the strong demand and trading activity of spirits casks. What drives prices for spirits casks and wine futures is the scarcity. When producers limit the release, the market value tends to soar. As it ages and is consumed, quality and scarcity increase, driving the value of the wine or whisky higher. This gives investors the potential for long-term appreciation. Over the years spirits and wine have proven to be a solid investment, outperforming the broader markets. A popular way to gain exposure to fine wine and rare whisky is through wine and spirits futures. These enable investors to invest in the assets at their release price, providing the potential for significant upside as the price increases. Bordeaux wines, known for their aging potential are one example of a wine that could provide long-term appreciation, but there are others, as well. Cask investing affords investors the same opportunity. The only difference is the aging of whisky and rum is in a barrel or cask rather than a bottle. The Vint Futures and Casks I fund gives investors the best of both worlds, with a target composition of 70% wine futures and 30% spirits casks and a projected hold time of five to six years. Get wine and whisky exposure through the Vint Futures and Casks I Fund. Knowledge Is Power Vint should know a thing or two about fine wine and aged whisky. The company has been around since 2019, offering equity products to investors who want exposure to these luxury asset classes. It also operates the Vint marketplace which sells fine wines and rare spirits to collectors, consumers and merchants. The marketplace was created to give investors the best exit price for Vint investment assets all the while mitigating investment fees. At last check, the Vint marketplace had over $70 million in assets and hundreds of customers. Vint also has performance to back it up – the company has returned capital from 14 deals resulting in an average realized net IRR of 28.7%. Fine wine and rare spirits investing has long been the domain of a select few. Vint is changing that by giving more investors access to what has the potential for long-term appreciation. Now that’s something to cheer about. Use the Vint platform to invest for as little as $2500. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 30, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Uno Pizzeria and Grill Releases New Mardi Gras Inspired Menu

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

Uno Pizzeria and Grill, the iconic restaurant brand and the birthplace of deep dish pizza, has introduced a new limited-time-only menu that features the flavors of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. With Fat Tuesday on February 13 th this year, the company wanted to release the menu in advance of the celebration of Mardi Gras to give guests the opportunity to try the flavorful new items over an extended period of time. The menu features UNO's spin on classic New Orleans dishes as well as a few completely new tasty creations. Items featured on the menu include: Big Easy Gumbo – A bowl of chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage gumbo with rice, vegetables and classic Cajun seasoning. Cheesy Grits and Shrimp Appetizer – Shrimp sautéed with bacon, onion and a housemade Makers Mark BBQ sauce served over cheesy grits. Seasoned Fried Shrimp Appetizer – Tender shrimp dusted in seasoned flour (with a tiny kick) and deep fried to a golden brown. Served with a housemade remoulade sauce. New Orleans Pasta – A delicious combination of chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage and seasoned plum tomatoes sautéed with garlic, celery, and UNOs spicy alfredo sauce. Tossed with rigatoni. Mike’s Hot Honey Chicken and Cornbread – In-house baked cornbread topped with crispy chicken tenders and drizzled with Mike’s Hot Honey. Served with maple aioli. A hot new collab. Cajun Ribeye and Grilled Shrimp – A 10oz. Choice ribeye grilled to order with jazzy Cajun seasoning and served with a skewer of basil-marinated shrimp. Served with two sides. Jambalaya Deep Dish Pizza – A buttery deep dish dough filled with bayou-seasoned shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, seasoned plum tomatoes, caramelized onions and celery. Topped with freshly grated mozzarella, cheddar and asiago cheeses. Andouille Sausage Bayou Thin Crust Pizza – Housemade dough and marinara sauce topped with andouille sausage, caramelized onions, mozzarella, ricotta and banana peppers. “This new menu offers our guests a fun and flavorful food experience. Having lived in New Orleans for a portion of my life, I am keenly aware that New Orleans and Mardi Gras celebrate community, food and fun. These are qualities that are alive and well in all of our UNOs locations every day.” stated CEO Erik Frederick. He continued, “We want to give our guests menu options that are a bit different than what you would normally see at UNOs, or any other restaurants for that matter. All of these items really kick up the flavor and spice a few notches. As they say in New Orleans “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” which means “Let the good time roll!” To celebrate the release of the menu, UNOs is offering a BOGO 50% off deal on the Mardi Gras menu items from January 31 st to February 4 th. Offer is valid on all food menu items (drinks excluded from offer). The offer is valid for dine-in and participation may vary by location. The limited-time-only Mardi Gras menu is available at most UNOs locations and is scheduled to run into April 2024. About UNO Pizzeria & Grill Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes approximately 80 company-owned and franchised UNO Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 18 states, and the District of Columbia, India, and Saudi Arabia. UNO is all about connecting people over pizza – from its famous Chicago Deep Dish, which UNO invented in 1943, to its Chicago Thin Crust, to its gluten-free and vegan pizzas. Contact Details Chris Dellamarggio +1 339-613-7641 cdellamarggio@unos.com Company Website https://www.unos.com/

January 29, 2024 11:11 AM Eastern Standard Time

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BrightSign Elevates Partner Ecosystem with the Announcement of Bright Alliance

BrightSign

BrightSign, the provider of the most advanced, capable, and trusted digital media players and operating system, today announced Bright Alliance, a global program that affirms the company’s commitment to empowering its partner ecosystem. Bright Alliance is a comprehensive support system designed to enhance technical, sales, and marketing efforts for CMS partners, fostering mutual growth and generating business opportunities. Organizations — from retailers, to restaurants, to public spaces, to financial institutions — have a desire to create immersive experiences and connect with consumers in new ways. To achieve this vision, organizations need engaging content, reliable hardware and software, and an ecosystem of partners to attract, engage, and captivate audiences. Bright Alliance provides CMS partners with structured resources, including marketing, training, and technical assistance to promote, sell, implement, integrate, and support the latest BrightSign products. Bright Alliance means elevated engagements that spark new possibilities for CMS partners— all with reliability, longevity, and security at the forefront. By giving CMS partners the support they need, BrightSign is committed to maximizing the potential of every touchpoint, empowering businesses to bring to life their visions for connecting with consumers. The Bright Alliance program is set to formally roll out in Q1. “The work we do alongside our partners is one of the best-kept secrets in the digital signage and immersive display industries. This dedicated program is a chance to align with partners on the needs of the industry, communicate the value of our work together, and provide support to bring visual and immersive experiences to life,” said Misty Chalk, vice president of sales, Americas, at BrightSign. “Consumer attention is finite, and experiences are everything. So, organizations must define their unique digital signage journey to meet the needs of their audience.” BrightSign will be available to discuss the Bright Alliance program at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024 at Booth #6M280. Follow BrightSign on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay up to date on the company’s latest news. About BrightSign® BrightSign LLC, the global market leader in digital signage media players, is headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with offices in Europe and Asia. BrightSign manufactures media players and provides free software and networking solutions for the commercial digital signage market worldwide, serving all vertical segments of the digital signage marketplace. From entry-level BrightSign LS players to BrightSign XC players offering state-of-the-art technology and unsurpassed performance, BrightSign's products are known for their signature reliability, affordability, ease-of-use, and market-leading technology. For more information, visit BrightSign. Contact Details Racepoint Global +1 617-624-3221 brightsign@racepointglobal.com Company Website https://www.brightsign.biz/

January 29, 2024 03:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Chip Rogers of AHLA to Illuminate the 2024 Hotel Landscape at 1TourismWorld Conference

1BusinessWorld

The 2024 1TourismWorld Global Tourism & Hospitality Conference is thrilled to announce Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), as a key speaker in its upcoming event. Rogers, renowned for his visionary leadership and industry expertise, will deliver a session titled 'The State of the Hotel Industry' on February 16th from 9:30 am to 10:00 am US ET. This event marks a pivotal moment for professionals eager to glean deep insights into the current and future trends of the hotel sector. Since his inception as AHLA's head in 2019, Chip Rogers has significantly influenced the hotel and lodging industry, championing innovative policies and strategies. His leadership has positioned AHLA as a unified voice for various industry players, from boutique hotels to major chains, enhancing the association's impact across the sector. Rogers' presentation at the 1TourismWorld Conference is set to offer an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities the hotel industry faces in today's dynamic environment. His reputation for delivering tangible results for AHLA members and his status as one of the top 25 most influential figures in business travel ensures a session filled with valuable, actionable insights. With his diverse background, including his tenure in the Georgia General Assembly and involvement in multiple travel and community associations, Rogers brings a unique perspective to the interplay between policy and industry trends. His session is anticipated to be a comprehensive exploration of the forces shaping the hotel industry, offering attendees strategic insights into leveraging current market conditions. Professionals in the hospitality sector looking to align their operational strategies with broader industry movements will find Rogers' address particularly beneficial. His expertise and influential perspective make his session a must-attend at the 1TourismWorld Conference, promising to be an enlightening experience for all attendees. All news and content distribution in partnership with News Direct. About 1TourismWorld: 1TourismWorld is a leading global platform dedicated to advancing the tourism and hospitality industry. Through its annual conference and other initiatives, 1TourismWorld brings together industry stakeholders to share knowledge, foster innovation, and drive the industry forward. About 1BusinessWorld 1BusinessWorld is a global business ecosystem, network and marketplace that provides entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with the information, tools, resources and connectivity needed to succeed throughout their company’s growth journey, toward a better business world. Our vision is based on the reality that we live, work and do business in one global interconnected business environment, and hence our motto: “One World, One Business World”. Our mission is to encourage and support global communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses. 1BusinessWorld Contact Details 1BusinessWorld Media Enquiries +1 212-220-6677 info@1businessworld.com Company Website https://1businessworld.com

January 28, 2024 01:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Sunreef Yachts Steers Towards Sustainable Horizons with 'Zero Emission Sail into the Future' Initiative

1BusinessWorld

In an industry often characterized by its lavishness and luxury, Sunreef Yachts is charting a new course, pioneering the integration of sustainability and opulence. The company is set to unveil its groundbreaking 'Zero Emission Sail into the Future' project at the 2024 1TourismWorld Conference, a move that's garnering attention within the luxury maritime sector and beyond. The session, featuring Nicolas Lapp, Co-Founder & CTO, and Artur Połoczański, Public Relations Director, is scheduled for February 15th from 11:00 am to 11:30 am US ET. Sunreef Yachts, headquartered in the historic Gdansk Shipyard, has long been at the forefront of the luxury catamaran and multihull superyacht industry. With its inception in 2002, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of yacht design and innovation. However, the 'Zero Emission Sail into the Future' initiative marks a pivotal shift in the company's ethos, intertwining environmental consciousness with its renowned design and engineering prowess. This initiative represents a significant evolution in the yachting industry, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable luxury. Sunreef Yachts' approach to zero-emission yachting addresses the urgent global need for environmental stewardship while maintaining the high standards of luxury and performance for which the brand is known. The technical innovations involved in the 'Zero Emission Sail into the Future' project are a testament to Sunreef Yachts' commitment to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. By focusing on zero-emission technologies, the company is not only adhering to environmental best practices but also catering to the evolving preferences of environmentally conscious consumers. This strategic shift by Sunreef Yachts signals a broader transformation within the luxury travel industry, as companies recognize the importance of aligning business objectives with environmental responsibility. The 'Zero Emission Sail into the Future' initiative is not just a step forward for Sunreef Yachts; it's a giant leap for the luxury maritime sector. The 1TourismWorld 2024 Conference provides a global platform for Sunreef Yachts to showcase this innovative project, inviting industry leaders, policymakers, and luxury travel enthusiasts to witness a sustainable path forward for luxury seafaring. For more information about Sunreef Yachts and the 'Zero Emission Sail into the Future' initiative, visit https://1businessworld.com/event/zero-emission-sail-into-the-future-nicolas-lapp-artur-poloczanski/ All news and content distribution in partnership with News Direct. About 1TourismWorld: 1TourismWorld is a leading global platform dedicated to advancing the tourism and hospitality industry. Through its annual conference and other initiatives, 1TourismWorld brings together industry stakeholders to share knowledge, foster innovation, and drive the industry forward. About 1BusinessWorld 1BusinessWorld is a global business ecosystem, network and marketplace that provides entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with the information, tools, resources and connectivity needed to succeed throughout their company’s growth journey, toward a better business world. Our vision is based on the reality that we live, work and do business in one global interconnected business environment, and hence our motto: “One World, One Business World”. Our mission is to encourage and support global communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses. 1BusinessWorld Contact Details Media Enquiries +1 212-220-6677 info@1businessworld.com Company Website https://1businessworld.com

January 26, 2024 04:58 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Socioeconomic Shifts In Argentina: Property Deeds Signed In October Up 53% Y-O-Y, Gaucho Holdings (NASDAQ: VINO) Optimistic About The Future

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Earlier in November, Argentina elected right-wing libertarian Javiar Milei as president; he ran on the promise of economic shock therapy, which resonated with voters. The new president has brought a sense of optimism to his base and real estate experts are noticing an uptick in inquiries for family homes and buildable lots in the wake of the election. Despite the historical unpredictability of the Argentine economy, property prices are on the rise and there was a 53.3% increase in property deeds signed in October compared to the previous year. For individuals and companies that already have a foothold in Argentine real estate, 2024 could prove to be a profitable year marked by growth and expansion. Argentina’s Gaucho Group Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: VINO), which focuses on luxury industries and luxury real estate, seems well-positioned to be a leader in the space as Argentina’s economy rebounds. Gaucho Holdings has been investing in the Argentinian market since 2007 and has no intention of slowing down. The global luxury market is witnessing growth in light of a resurgence of social interactions and travel. The global luxury market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion in 2023, witnessing 8-10% growth over 2022. Despite macroeconomic challenges, the luxury market has shown resilience, and companies like Gaucho Group Holdings seem to be gearing up for growth. In mid-November, Argentine shares rose 28% on Wall Street, reflecting a positive market reaction to the election. Scott Mathis, Chairman and CEO of Gaucho Holdings, shared, "When a country like Argentina shifts from a position of no leverage to leverage, the implications are profound. This could very well be the greatest movement in asset valuation in real estate since the post-World War II era." The company is also in support of President Milei’s plans for Argentina’s dollarization, believing it will help further stabilize the country’s market. Gaucho Holdings’ position in the Argentine real estate market stems from the company’s early entry, established operational presence and diverse portfolio. The company also boasts a seasoned management team with a deep understanding of the market. Scott Mathis is also recently quoted as saying, "Argentina is on the cusp of an economic resurgence. We've been committed to Argentina since 2007, and our deep-rooted presence there, coupled with our diversified business model, positions us uniquely to harness the potential of this new economic era. We are excited to advance our plans and contribute significantly to and benefit from the country's growth trajectory." The company’s mission to source and develop opportunities in Argentina’s undervalued luxury real estate market could be coming to fruition in light of the recent political and socioeconomic shifts in the country. As Argentina’s global economic standing increases, Gaucho Holdings could be uniquely positioned to capitalize on increased opportunities. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

January 26, 2024 08:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

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1TourismWorld 2024: Charting the Future of Global Tourism & Hospitality

1BusinessWorld

1TourismWorld, the premier global platform for tourism and hospitality innovation, is excited to announce its 2024 Global Tourism & Hospitality Conference. Scheduled to take place virtually from February 12th to 16th, this event promises to be an unparalleled gathering of industry leaders, experts, and visionaries. The 2024 conference will cover a wide range of topics crucial to the future of tourism and hospitality. Each day is dedicated to a different theme, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the industry: - Day 1: Focus on hotels, restaurants, travel management, and innovative trends in hospitality. - Day 2: Delve into the evolving world of cruise travel, including innovations in cruise ship technology and design. - Day 3: Explore the latest in airlines and aircraft technologies, highlighting industry trends and safety protocols. - Day 4: Discover advancements in yachting, including design trends and sustainability in luxury yachting. - Day 5: Discuss the future of travel management, destination insights, and sustainable practices in tourism. Keynote speakers include industry leaders like: · Chip Rogers, President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association, on “The State of the Hotel Industry” · Dimitris Manikis, President & Managing Director EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts sharing "Global Perspectives in Tourism and Hospitality" · Stuart Greif, EVP - Strategy & Innovation, Forbes Travel Guide on the topic "Exploring Horizons: Consumer Travel Trends and Destinations" · Judy Chen, Vice President of Development - Dream Hotels, Hyatt Hotels Corporation on the topic: “The Dynamic Evolution of Lifestyle Hotels and Private Members' Clubs” · Lisa Bauer, President & CEO, Starboard Cruise Services, “Curating Unforgettable Journeys: How Teams at Sea Make the Difference” · Annette Cardenas, President, Skål International on “Building Bridges” The business and entrepreneurial leaders presenting will provide valuable insights into various aspects of the industry, from the evolution of luxury all-inclusive hotels to the dynamics of short-term rental markets. The 2024 1TourismWorld Conference is a must-attend event for professionals seeking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of tourism and hospitality. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with global trends, network with peers, and gain insights from the industry's best. For more information and to register for the conference, please visit: https://1businessworld.com/1tourismworld-conference/ All news and content distribution in partnership with News Direct. About 1TourismWorld: 1TourismWorld is a leading global platform dedicated to advancing the tourism and hospitality industry. Through its annual conference and other initiatives, 1TourismWorld brings together industry stakeholders to share knowledge, foster innovation, and drive the industry forward. About 1BusinessWorld 1BusinessWorld is a global business ecosystem, network and marketplace that provides entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with the information, tools, resources and connectivity needed to succeed throughout their company’s growth journey, toward a better business world. Our vision is based on the reality that we live, work and do business in one global interconnected business environment, and hence our motto: “One World, One Business World”. Our mission is to encourage and support global communication and collaboration among entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses. 1BusinessWorld Contact Details 1BusinessWorld Media Enquiries +1 212-220-6677 info@1businessworld.com Company Website https://1businessworld.com

January 25, 2024 06:39 PM Eastern Standard Time

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American Paper Plate Coalition Petitions for Relief from Unfairly Traded Imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam

American Paper Plate Coalition

The American Paper Plate Coalition (“APPC”), representing the majority of American paper plate production, today petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) to investigate unfairly priced and subsidized paper plate imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions detail unfair trade practices to sell paper plates at less than fair value and allege dumping margins up to 279%, as well as numerous subsidies. The petitions detail the injury suffered by the U.S. industry and its workers, and request relief in the form of special duties on all associated imports to offset unfair pricing and unfair subsidies. “Imports from these countries have used dumped prices and subsidies to continue to grow in the U.S. market at the expense of American producers and workers,” said Bill Biggins, President and Co-owner of APPC member Aspen Products, Inc. “Over the past three years, unfairly priced and subsidized imports have harmed American producers and taken jobs away from hard-working Americans.” The cases filed today cover all types of plates produced from any type of paper, regardless of color, decoration, shape and size. “American producers can compete with anyone in the world, as long as we’re all playing by the same rules,” said Robert Epstein, President and CEO of APPC member AJM Packaging Corporation. “Fortunately, our country’s trade laws are set up to support fair trade. On behalf of our employees, customers, and colleagues, we look forward to seeing those laws enforced and those who violate our laws held accountable.” The next steps in these investigations will be the initiation of Commerce antidumping and countervailing duty investigations by February 14, 2024, and a preliminary ITC determination by March 11, 2024. About the American Paper Plate Coalition The American Paper Plate Coalition, representing the leading U.S. producers of paper plates, is comprised of AJM Packaging Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Aspen Products, Inc. of Kansas City, MO; Dart Container Corporation of Mason, MI; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. of Oshkosh, WI; Huhtamaki, Inc., of De Soto, KS; and Unique Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit https://www.ajmpack.com/, https://www.aspenpro.com/, https://www.dartcontainer.com/, https://www.hoffmaster.com/, https://www.huhtamaki.com/en-us/north-america/, and https://www.favors.com/ The American Paper Plate Coalition is represented by Adam H. Gordon of The Bristol Group PLLC, a Washington, DC international trade law firm committed to defending American industry, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs. Contact Details EAH Strategies Elizabeth Posthumus +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com

January 25, 2024 01:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Longing for a tropical getaway? Travel This Winter and Spring to America’s Caribbean Paradise, The United States Virgin Islands

YourUpdateTV

If you are longing for a tropical getaway, the U.S. Virgin Islands is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. Recently, the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte conducted a satellite media tour to share tips on how to best experience the U.S. Virgin Islands. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/K3EZnYGhDX4 About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three main islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. U.S. Virgin Islands Marks Impressive Year-End Achievements and Sets Ambitious Goals For 2024 The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrated the end of 2023 with remarkable achievements and a vision for an even brighter future in 2024. Under the leadership of Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, the territory has made significant strides in several key areas. In a year-over-year comparison, the U.S. Virgin Islands has continued to see robust revenue from the shared economy industry, reaching an impressive $343.4 million in 2023, a slight reduction from the record-setting figure of $360.53 million in the previous year. The hotel occupancy rate stands at a commendable 61.8% Hotel bookings within the territory also outpace the regional average daily rate (ADR) with a rate of $463.23, compared to $318.81 regionally. Additionally, the territory’s Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) continues to soar above regional standards. The U.S. Virgin Islands played a prominent role in the Caribbean's double-digit growth in tourism, with international arrivals projected to witness a remarkable 39% increase above 2019 levels in the fourth quarter of 2023. Also, extended stay visitors have seen a significant 25% rise. While 2022 presented some challenges due to cross-industry constraints, including pilot and airplane shortages, the end-of-2023 projections for 2024 remain positive. Seat capacity has increased from the continental U.S. to 23% in St. Croix and 21% in St. Thomas, largely due to the strategy of maintaining strong relations with major carriers. The Department of Tourism has expanded its strategic marketing efforts leading the way for the region into sports marketing garnering partnerships with renowned sports teams and entities, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Jets, Chicago Cubs, and Klutch Sports Group. Additionally, in the sports space the department has established ambassadorships with athletes who have familial ties to the territory including WNBA standout Aliyah Boston, Brooklyn Nets player Nic Claxton, Professional Golfer Alex Swain, and collegiate basketball standout Mervin James at Rider University. Looking ahead to 2024, the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to strengthen its presence in the sports and entertainment arenas, as well as continue to build out cultural correlation with the Caribbean diaspora. The past year also marked successful elevation of the territory’s three Carnival celebrations featuring more revelers on each island and expansion of the Village Nights that spotlighted local talent including Pressure, Adam O, Star Martin and Karnage, international and Caribbean performers Davido, Machel Montano, Kes, Shenseea Koffee, Dexta Daps, Alison Hinds, Patrice Roberts and more. Carnival’s success has opened the territory to opportunities for cultural exchanges with other islands in the region and African countries. For the coming year, the U.S. Virgin Islands will increase concentrate on: · Airlift: Engage in ongoing conversations with airline executives to increase airlift from the U.S. mainland for winter 2024-25. Restoration of international negotiations with airlines in Denmark, Italy, and Canada is a priority. Our focus is on adding flights to St. Croix from the United States, Canada, and Europe. · Cruise: The partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) will help us to increase cruise calls, create new experiences, collaborate with the local private sector, and generate employment opportunities. Cruise passenger projections indicate a 13% rise for 2024, with nearly 200,000 new passengers expected. · Marine: Strengthen partnerships with marine stakeholders, expand marine experiences, and attract businesses to set up headquarters in the USVI. Collaboration with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) on marine initiatives and working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security to support increased marine development are key goals. We are excited to launch the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) in 2024. · Film: The USVI aims to attract film production with its stunning landscapes and unique locations. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/. BIO: JOSEPH BOSCHULTE Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth. Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of both the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chaired the VI Public Services Commission. Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City. Currently, Boschulte serves as the Chairman for the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and sits on the board for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association. Commissioner Boschulte earned his MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha, and proud parents of children Jaeden and Janae. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 25, 2024 11:44 AM Eastern Standard Time

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