Researching business opportunity

We're not expats.
This is a U.S. Territory.

OK, please forgive my ignorance. Didn't mean to offend.

I am re-posting this message because I seem to have made an error due to ignorance in my original post and don't want to offend.

Hello,

I am from the US and visiting STT on June 3 to research a business opportunity. I have this same business in Aruba and we operate in conjunction with the cruise lines. Would love to meet some people who have moved to the Virgin Islands and lived there for an extended period of time to get a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges with the business climate there. I will be in St Thomas until June 8 and currently have an open schedule.

Thanks and I look forward to meeting those who reply.

Was waiting for that response... Maybe he wants to talk to VICanuck, he's an expat from Canada except when he needs free medical care 😉

Check out the businesses in Havensight Mall right next to the cruise ship docks and those down in Crown Bay where ships also dock. June is the beginning of slow season so many places close early or may not open at all on days there are no ships in port.
We have a short high season.
What business are you interested in opening?

Check these links:

https://www.usvieda.org/incentives/edc-program
http://ltg.gov.vi
http://dlca.vi.gov

Sorry, been living in Aruba where expat is part of the vernacular. Also free healthcare...unless you really actually need medical assistance.

Thanks Alana.

I have a tour business in Aruba that caters to both cruise visitors and over night stay tourists. Both water and land related tours. I have good relationships with the cruise excursion managers and I'm investigating options to expand to the VI. I will only be on the island for a short time and will visit Government agencies but also wanted to meet as many residents as possible for information on unique challenges.

No healthcare insurance available here for individuals unless you work for VI Government or company that provides it or qualify for Medicare.
There are many tour related businesses in STT.

If you're going to offer tours, you'll have to partner with a taxi driver because they are supposed to be the only ones (with a few exceptions) that can carry people for hire. For a tour of the island, most hotels have taxi drivers on site to give island tours.

They don't issue taxi medallions anymore unless you're a Virgin Islands veteran.

You can offer water based tours but guest gets to your location on their own. A few day sails are moored(I guess) in the harbor near one of the cruise docks but some rent space in a marina either at near the cruise docks or on the East End of St Thomas. Some offer their services from a dock at a hotel.

You can check the VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs website to get a heads up on your licensing requirements or even start the application online.

There are less cruise ships in June, but more families traveling. Some businesses actually do better in summer if they offer kid friendly activities.

Insurance will probably be more expensive here because of potential lawsuits. You should check with several insurers for quotes. You may even be able to do that before you get here.

You should also contact meeting/wedding/event planners. They're always looking to offer something new. You can find a list on the Dept of Tourism website (visitusvi.com). You should also visit their office and let them know of your plans.

Unlike Aruba, St Thomas doesn't have large numbers of resorts and hotels so you'll need to also meet with villa management companies to let them know about your biz. You should be able to find most of them through google by searching for real estate or vacation rental management.

There's also a very popular facebook page. Do a facebook search.

We're not expats.
This is a U.S. Territory.

Gee I was assuming he was asking about expats from Aruba.