The distinctive Caribbean jazz melodies of United States Virgin Islander Ryan J will flow through The 40/40 Club in New York City this Sunday, December 8 at the 2013 Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) Leadership Awards.
Supported by the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Ryan J’s performance will be one of the highlights of the three-hour event, which also features a silent auction, offering hotel and resorts stays from a number of the region’s premier establishments such as Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas.
Raised on St. Croix, Ryan J has played with jazz legends such as Ellis Marsalis and now infuses his many musical influences into a style of his own.
“Showcasing the cultural creativity of talented Virgin Islanders in the marketplace is part and parcel of our promotional strategy,” said USVI Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty who believes cultural tourism when properly integrated can promote a destination’s authenticity.
The US Virgin Islands will also contribute to the event premium items which draw travelers to the shopping paradise such as jewelry and rum.
On the honor roll for the event are Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, Earlston McPhee, the focal point for sustainable tourism development at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Puerto Rico tourism specialist Terestella González Denton, and hospitality professional Bill Clegg of Choice Hotels International.
The event is supported by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the Barbara Pyle Foundation, Bay Gardens Resorts, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Caribe Hilton San Juan, Coco Palm, Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach, LIAT – The Caribbean Airline, Peace and Plenty Hotel, Sky Beach Club, Stuart Cove’s Aqua Adventures, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalu, and Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace and Casino.
To register for the Awards, visit http://cmexmedia.org/event-registration.
CMEx’s mission is to support and develop the ability of the media, government, the travel and tourism industry and communities to consider the importance of tourism in sustainable development, while lending a hand to the communities involved by sharing relevant expertise, financial and in-kind assistance.
For further information, visit www.cmexmedia.org.
