After Hurricane Marilyn, cuise ships would not come in due to the massive mess we had! 3 months went by if I recall correctly before I saw the first one and believe me, that was one sight I was very happy to see! It meant we were getting a little normalcy back, I wasn't really thinkin' money as at the time, I was an at home mom.
Yes, a Hurricane would be far worse for us right now than what is happening otherwise. No doubt!
People will still travel and we have a lot of positives going for us!
promo,
Come on, Priorities! 🙂

I was here during Marilyn and was without power (and part of a house!) for six months. A hurricane is something that comes and goes very quickly and we certainly had enormous help from US emergency services and manpower to get us through the worst of the immediate aftermath. Comparing a natural disaster to an overwhelming recession doesn't equate in the same terms by any stretch of the imagination.

I believe we've only seen the tip of the iceberg and that to dismiss it all as a minor little blip is ostrich thinking at best. As has been pointed out, the majority of travelers arriving right now locked in their fares months ago - and locked into their hotel and villa prices too. You don't think that hotel and villa prices are going to shoot up too.? The current 22% WAPA increase is only just hitting the mailboxes and it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that that rate will be raised even more in the next few months.

I don't think anybody is intimating that visitors will stop coming period but I guarantee there will be a significant drop. The good news is that cruise ship visitor numbers are very strong according to recent reports. I suppose we should be thankful for small mercies! Cheers!

STT:

I just checked Continental Airlines for high season fares, Newark NJ to STT (non-stop).....(leaving Jan 21, 2009, returning on January 28, 2009).......mid week for 7 nights.

Price: $338.00 + 48.30 taxes & fees...total $386.30

Not too much more than last winter's prices..........

Plus, I don't expect to see an appreciable increase in our rates at Point Pleasant........yes, I (personally) have seen an increase in my electric bills.....but we still want to attract visitors for next season.

Hopefully, we can all "weather this storm".

I know....I'm an optimist......

Regards,

F.I.

You might never see prices go up that much in terms of air fare. You might also see only a small increase in the pricing of villas and condos that visitors would rent. But here's the bottom line. In a shrinking economy, most people will curtail their spending. It's just natural. And this just happens. It has nothing to do with the price of air fares.

Even those with mucho money have seen a shrinkage of their assets both in real estate and portfolio shrinkage in the market. It's happening right now.

People will pull back from vacations. It's just natural. Except of course the irresponsible who would rather go into foreclosure and use the money for a vacation.

Promoguy:

Yes, you're absolutely right.

Folks (Regular Posters):

This is a "Visitor's Help Board".

People come here for suggestions/recommendations regarding visits to the USVI.

Let's give them all the help we can.

Constantly posting dire economic news and personal theories is not helping the intent of this board.

I think we all know about the recession, real estate problems and WAPA bills....but people will still travel to the USVI....let's not scare them away. Most of the regular posters here rely on tourism....we need every tourist we can get.

Regards,

F.I.

The OP posed the question so several people have given their opinions. ALL Virgin Islands residents rely on tourism as it's the mainstay of our economy. I think any of us who have posted what some consider "doom and gloom" predictions are simply being realistic and preparing ourselves for what could be a very difficult year ahead. Occasional visitors and part-time residents are really unlikely to notice the changes that residents are already feeling the effects of and those who can afford to visit will still come here - and we will continue to welcome them and hope that they enjoy their visit here and leave with beautiful memories. Cheers!

Here's a cost savings to travelers from Atlantic City, NJ to STT....Spirit just announced a sale......$129. each way + taxes/fees....mid week departures. That's $258. Round Trip + Taxes/Fees.

Hope this helps.

F.I.

Be careful with smaller airlines. Be careful booking to far into the future. Many airlines are cancelling routes. You may book a flight 3-6 months out and think you got a good deal, only to have the flight cancelled by the airline two weeks prior to your departure...with no compensation. I've witnessed this happening to clients.

The airlines, and anything that uses fuel is hurting.

It is time to begin "turtle-ing" and be thankful for what we all have. Everyone will ride out the storm.

This too shall pass....and hopefully soon!

As long as you book your flight on a credit card, you can reverse the charges if the service you purchased is not provided.

Retirementbound:

I owned a travel agency when Eastern Airlines went out of business......we protected all of our clients (as a travel agent is supposed to do).......no one lost any money! And everyone still went on their trips (or received a refund). That's what you "pay" a travel agency to do.

However, now most people book on-line, themselves.......and most use credit cards.

dntw8up: Thanks.

F.I.

It's a bit wierd that you assume I am a travel agent. Had a client trying to get back from Alaska and flight was canceled. No remorse. No rebate, na-da....even on their credit card. Not a T.A....just a high end business travelor.

When the airlines are out of money...they won't fly low demand routes. Here in our state, people are just touring locally.

When flights stop to Alaska, cruises stop.,...or cut back. The same will happen to the Caribbean . Don't fool yourself.

On another note...who are you votiing for?

Luckly you Marty! I wish I could live on two islands. Jealous, Big Time Here. Scooby