Black Meetings & Tourism - U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICIAL TERI HELENESE URGES FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AHEAD OF WORLD TOURISM DAY

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICIAL TERI HELENESE URGES FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AHEAD OF WORLD TOURISM DAY
Teri Helenese Teri Helenese , Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the U.S. Virgin Islands, has called for tourism to be recognized as a driver of sustainable progress. She released her message in advance of World Tourism Day, which will be observed on September 27 under the theme *"Tourism and Sustainable Transformation."* "Tourism, when guided by sustainability and purpose, becomes one of the most powerful tools for transformation in our time," Helenese said. "It is no longer just about travel - it is about impact. It is about how people, communities and countries are transformed through shared experiences and mutual exchange." Helenese reflected on the sector's evolution, noting that what was once "the privilege of a few seeking personal enlightenment abroad" has become the largest voluntary transfer of wealth in history - moving resources from affluent travelers to developing regions. For many island nations, she observed, geography has shifted from a disadvantage to a strength. Once isolated communities are now sought out by visitors searching for tranquility and authenticity. "Some of the world's most remote destinations have been transformed into prized jewels in global tourism, offering not only beauty for visitors, but also opportunity for locals," she said. She pointed to the wide-ranging benefits of tourism revenues, from new roads, airports and ports that connect local entrepreneurs to international markets, to the rise of community tourism. "Visitors now stay in homes, walk village paths, share meals with families and enjoy the stories, music and art - directly investing in local livelihoods. This is transformational change at its most human: intimate, respectful and life-changing for the visitors and their hosts," Helenese added. The Virgin Islands representative also highlighted how global curiosity has revitalized culture, arts and cuisine. Musicians, dancers and artisans are rediscovering traditions once fading from memory, while the search for authentic flavors has boosted local food production and inspired bold culinary fusions. At the same time, she cautioned that growth must be matched by responsibility. She credited tourism with driving investments in disaster preparedness that make destinations more resilient, and emphasized the sector's role in safeguarding natural heritage. "Tourists come to bathe in our azure waters, breathe our clean air, and marvel at our pristine landscapes. And through their presence, they can further help fund the conservation and regeneration of the ecosystems we hold dear." Helenese closed her message with a call to action: "On World Tourism Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to tourism that transforms, uplifts, empowers and protects. Let us champion a tourism that is not extractive, but regenerative. Tourism, when done right, is not just a journey - it is a transformative legacy." About Teri Helenese As the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, Teri Helenese plays a pivotal role in policy development and advocacy. She skillfully champions Governor Albert Bryan Jr.'s priorities, leveraging her deep understanding of policy formulation, powerful advocacy, and wide-reaching collaborations to drive meaningful change. From securing significant funding to pioneering initiatives for student support, affordable housing and economic development, her work spans a wide array of critical areas, contributing to the prosperity of the Virgin Islands.

Industry Briefs

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICIAL TERI HELENESE URGES FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AHEAD OF WORLD TOURISM DAY

Teri Helenese

Teri Helenese , Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the U.S. Virgin Islands, has called for tourism to be recognized as a driver of sustainable progress. She released her message in advance of World Tourism Day, which will be observed on September 27 under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation."

"Tourism, when guided by sustainability and purpose, becomes one of the most powerful tools for transformation in our time," Helenese said. "It is no longer just about travel - it is about impact. It is about how people, communities and countries are transformed through shared experiences and mutual exchange."

Helenese reflected on the sector's evolution, noting that what was once "the privilege of a few seeking personal enlightenment abroad" has become the largest voluntary transfer of wealth in history - moving resources from affluent travelers to developing regions.

For many island nations, she observed, geography has shifted from a disadvantage to a strength. Once isolated communities are now sought out by visitors searching for tranquility and authenticity. "Some of the world's most remote destinations have been transformed into prized jewels in global tourism, offering not only beauty for visitors, but also opportunity for locals," she said.

She pointed to the wide-ranging benefits of tourism revenues, from new roads, airports and ports that connect local entrepreneurs to international markets, to the rise of community tourism. "Visitors now stay in homes, walk village paths, share meals with families and enjoy the stories, music and art - directly investing in local livelihoods. This is transformational change at its most human: intimate, respectful and life-changing for the visitors and their hosts," Helenese added.

The Virgin Islands representative also highlighted how global curiosity has revitalized culture, arts and cuisine. Musicians, dancers and artisans are rediscovering traditions once fading from memory, while the search for authentic flavors has boosted local food production and inspired bold culinary fusions.

At the same time, she cautioned that growth must be matched by responsibility. She credited tourism with driving investments in disaster preparedness that make destinations more resilient, and emphasized the sector's role in safeguarding natural heritage. "Tourists come to bathe in our azure waters, breathe our clean air, and marvel at our pristine landscapes. And through their presence, they can further help fund the conservation and regeneration of the ecosystems we hold dear."

Helenese closed her message with a call to action: "On World Tourism Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to tourism that transforms, uplifts, empowers and protects. Let us champion a tourism that is not extractive, but regenerative. Tourism, when done right, is not just a journey - it is a transformative legacy."

About Teri Helenese

As the Director of State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, Teri Helenese plays a pivotal role in policy development and advocacy. She skillfully champions Governor Albert Bryan Jr.'s priorities, leveraging her deep understanding of policy formulation, powerful advocacy, and wide-reaching collaborations to drive meaningful change. From securing significant funding to pioneering initiatives for student support, affordable housing and economic development, her work spans a wide array of critical areas, contributing to the prosperity of the Virgin Islands.