Acting Tourism Commissioner Clement "Cain" Magras will accompany Amy Atkinson of Martin Public Relations to the Caribbean Hotel Association Marketplace in Puerto Rico next weekend.
Martin Public Relations and the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association will host a VIP reception Saturday at which Magras will be introduced to key partners in the industry. That will include the travel media and wholesalers for the charter flights coming into the V.I.
Atkinson, senior account supervisor at Martin P.R.for the V.I. account, said the timing couldn't be better to introduce Magras to the key industry players.
Atkinson said she met with Magras in early December and looks forward to working with him. Magras, though acting commissioner now, reportedly is Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's choice to take over permanently.
Atkinson also met with Turnbull in early December and said he is aware of the outstanding balance owed to the Richmond, Va.-based firm. Martin is one of many vendors that the V.I. government has not paid.
"We've always carried a substantial balance," said Atkinson. "But it's now at $1.2 million and growing all the time.
"We've had to cut back on some of the things that involve direct costs to us, but it is crucial to keep actively promoting the island without a gap. This is a critical time for the Virgin Islands," she said.
Atkinson said she receives calls daily from travel writers who want to be sent here to cover the islands.
"We tell them we have to postpone media trips for the time being, but will call them as soon as we can resume," Atkinson said.
There is at least a three-month lead time on stories. which makes timing important, she said.
Atkinson said ongoing publicity for the territory would not stop. Press kits will continue to go out regularly and press releases will be generated. Martin will also continue to produce its 16-page report of major activities that goes to travel professionals.
"For the sake of the Virgin Islands, as well as Martin Public Relations, we can't stop promotional activities," she said.
Turnbull has not indicated whether he will retain Martin as the territory's mainland public relations firm or Lowe & Partners as the advertising agency. Both were retained by the Schneider administration.