Tourism

Territory Must Prepare For Flow Of Affluent Chinese Tourists, Mapp Says

ST. THOMAS -- Governor Kenneth Mapp said on Tuesday at Government House here -- based on advice given to him by Chinese officials -- that the territory should prepare for the possibility of affluent Chinese tourists flowing into the U.S. Virgin Islands, stating that certain changes should be made to ensure that the tourists are properly accommodated. The announcement came as part of a question posed to the governor in regards to his trade mission in China, a trip that was dominated by meetings with Sinopec and the oil giant's plans to invest in the territory, specifically Limetree Bay Terminals, the former HOVENSA Refinery. But included in the delegation were Dept. of Tourism officials as well, a calculated move by the governor to explore potential Chinese visit to the islands. The government-run tourism organization in China, the governor said, advised him that once the territory becomes serious about developing tourism between China and the territory, certain changes should be m...