Aug. 6, 2004 – A film crew from The Travel Channel was on St. John recently shooting footage for two programs, "America's Best Beaches" and "Beaches After Dark," which are to air next spring, according to a release from Martin Public Relations, the territory's mainland publicity agency.
The crew's visit coincided with the island's 50th anniversary Fourth of July Celebration.
"America's Best Beaches" is a one-hour program that will feature what the cable channel has determined are the nation's top 10 beaches, according to the release. "St. John's Trunk Bay was selected as the 'Most Beautiful Beach,'" it said, thanks to its "family-friendly, tranquil waters; soft, silk-like sand; comfortable amenities and the breathtaking greenery."
"We are honored that The Travel Channel will showcase Trunk Bay," Monique Sibilly-Hodge, assistant Tourism commissioner, said. "The Department of Tourism looks forward to broadcasting the aesthetic and cultural beauty of St. John to the world."
The crew of two camera technicians and a producer interviewed residents and recorded the Trunk Bay underwater trail as well as other images from land and water.
The "Beaches After Dark" segment will focus on St. John's nightlife. "While the spectacular fireworks display that took place on July 5 above Cruz Bay harbor will be the high point," the Martin release stated, "coverage of the island's many cozy restaurants and bars will reveal the inherent laid-back charm of St. John."
The programs are to premier in March 2005 during the Travel Channel's popular "Beach Week" series. They initially will be seen by a projected 65 million viewers nationally and millions more worldwide, the release stated. The shows will repeat throughout the year and also will be seen on the Discovery Channel's High Definition Theater, it said.

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