The US Virgin Islands have suffered from the direct impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and COVID-19 pandemic, which have hammered its tourism industry. As it recovers, we want to ensure that it is an equitable recovery, providing opportunities for native Virgin Islands. This program helps students develop 21st century tourist trade skills by helping them develop and integrate innovative science-based experiences and implement them through internships and start-up tour businesses.
Like many islands in the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands depend on tourism. But the tourism doesn't always benefit the local population, who often play a supporting role rather than running the businesses themselves. This results in a large outflow of money from the islands, impoverishing the locals. Additionally, with the twin impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism and education sectors have suffered massive disruption, imperiling youth prospects.
This project helps native Caribbean students learn skills necessary to thrive and lead in the 21st century tourism sector. Tourists' tastes are changing to favor more local, unique, ethical, and sustainable experiences. Science and science tourism provides an opportunity to meet the demands of Millennials and Gen Z tourists. Students are in a prime position to help integrate science learning into existing local businesses, or start science-focused tourism ventures of their own.
Successful tourism ventures run by locals help keep more money in the US Virgin Islands and benefits the people who live and work there year-round. The integration of genuine and engaging observational science (which the local Etelman Observatory excels at) into recreational activities helps locals and visitors alike appreciate the connections between Earth, ocean, sky, and space in a unique environment that gives easy access to all of these.
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