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Hollywood Star Cuts Starts Franchise Expansion!

All American Gold Corp.

McapMediaWire -- All American Gold Corp. (OTC: AAGC ) is very pleased to announce that Hollywood Star Cuts, AAGC’s Operating Company, has officially begun the Franchise Build-out segment of the Company’s growth model. On February 1 st and February 15 th, Hollywood Star Cuts Florida franchise partner will officially be taking possession of two retail locations in the Western Florida region. The first location will be located in the rapidly expanding Port Charlotte market. Construction and renovations will begin immediately. This location is situated in an exceptional venue with a Major Grocery Chain and a Major Coffee Retailer ensuring constant foot traffic throughout all business hours. This location will primarily be “Family Hair Focused” but will also have a section for “Nail Care”. This 1,200 square foot location is newly rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Ian allowing the Franchisee a blank slate in which to create an award-winning venue. The second location, starting February 15 th, will be located in the bustling St. Petersburgh metro area. This locale is perfectly situated adjacent to an Upscale Fitness Center, a Big Box Superstore and many Eateries. It will be conducting business on one of St. Petersburgh’s busiest retail streets. This 1,150 square foot location was a successful operating hair salon previously, making the permitting and reconstruction process much more streamlined. This location will also be “Family Hair Focused” but due to the fact that there is an existing nail salon operating in the same plaza, the franchisee has opted for an Esthetician Room withing Hollywood Star Cuts to increase revenue. Both locations require 45-60 days to allow for construction and permitting. At the end of 2022, construction began in Central Texas. It is expected that Hollywood Star Cuts will be hosting a Texas sized grand opening in March once the permitting is complete and the franchisee has the Texas location staffed. Other franchise locations in Arizona and Nevada, as well as other markets, will be proceeding with construction as the year progresses. Hollywood Star Cuts is in the process of developing a “Blockbuster Mega Production Studio”. This facility will have everything a customer and a potential franchisee could ask for. Not only does it have multiple hair styling stations, the venue will contain a dedicated area for nails. The massive facility will have a dedicated room within the venue that houses an area large enough to accommodate two separate esthetician rooms for face and skin care. To top it all off, another large room, located in the rear of the facility, will house two tanning stations. One station will house a stand-up tanning booth and the other will house a lay down tanning bed. The purpose of such a comprehensive facility is to give the customer an all inclusive Movie Star experience while demonstrating to any potential franchisees all the wonderful features Hollywood Star cuts can offer them as business partners. The Blockbuster Mega Production Facility is under construction now and is expected to be completed by March 1 st with a grand opening celebration shortly after. This facility is being constructed in the Westpark area of Boise Idaho. Hollywood Star Cuts invites everyone to visit all our locations in the Boise and Nampa Idaho area. The growth model for Hollywood Star Cuts includes both Corporate owned stores as well as Franchise stores in specific markets. Once the Blockbuster mega Production Studio is completed, the construction of Corporate locations will cease for 2023. With the construction of Corporate locations on hiatus for the remainder of the year, Hollywood Star Cuts will be executing it’s business plan with an operating profit. The intent of concentrating on growing the business via franchise model is to accelerate growth while accumulating funds, allowing for future growth without the need for outside financing. To ensure transparency and clarity, All American Gold Corp will be conducting a Shareholder Conference Call on Thursday, February 2nd at 7:00PM Eastern Time (4:00PM Western). This call will be open to the public. Among topics to be discussed will include Calendar Year-end financials, expansion plans, audit update, as well as other Company business. The dial-in number will be (267) 807-9601. The access code will be 526-855-601. Management invites all interested parties to participate in the call. There will be a question-and-answer period after the presentation. Updates and reminders will be posted on Twitter. Hollywood Star Cuts is dedicated to offering the very best in service and experience and is committed to becoming a leader in the multi-billion-dollar and recession resilient Hair-Care industry. Hollywood Star Cuts would like to thank all their loyal customers, their loyal staff members and all who support the Company. Hollywood Star Cuts is committed to expand through organic growth with Company-owned stores as well as utilizing franchise partners nationally. All American Gold Corp. invites the public to follow us on Twitter @HStarcuts as most updates, and communication will be conducted there. The public is also invited to follow us on Facebook and online at www.hollywoodstarcuts.com. Forward-Looking Statement Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Security Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation. Twitter: @HStarcuts www.hollywoodstarcuts.com (760) 525-7411 Contact Details Hollywood Star Cuts Lawrence Twombly +1 760-525-7411 Company Website http://www.hollywoodstarcuts.com/

February 01, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Standard Time

Digital Addiction is Affecting Adolescent Brain Development, Mental Health Experts Warn

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Is your child addicted to social media? New research shows that social media could be reprogramming children’s brains—and psychologists warn parents that they need to pay closer attention. “Once a habit like constantly checking social media is formed, it’s difficult for adolescents to self-regulate, so parents may need to step in,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, Psy.D., President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The new research focuses on overuse of screen time by adolescents in a three-year neurological study by the University of North Carolina. Results published this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association, show significant changes in the brains of 12 and 13-year-olds who reported habitually checking Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. An earlier neurobiological study reported in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, showed another troubling effect: compulsive adolescent tweeters had widespread and significant decreases of functional connectivity in their brain’s cortico-striatal circuits. According to these studies, social media may alter neurodevelopment, significantly changing the ways in which the adolescent brain responds to its environment. Dr. Nealon said that since the brain undergoes significant structural and functional reorganization during adolescence, habitual checking of social media may further increase the already enhanced activity in the amygdala and insula, creating hyperactive neural responses to the anticipation of more “likes” and social media feedback. “The result is an ever-increasing need for digital social rewards and a reduction of ability to resist urges to check for feedback on social media platforms,” she explained. “This never-ending loop could interfere with school, athletics, friendships and other real world social interactions that are important for normal psychosocial development.” To counter addiction to digital media, Dr. Nealon has recommendations for parents: Limit screen time to under three hours a day, depending on your child’s age and activity level. Set parental controls on social media sites and monitor the content your child is viewing. Facilitate play dates and extracurricular activities to help develop other social skills About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that works collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

January 31, 2023 11:11 AM Pacific Standard Time

Workforce Study: Is Going Independent the Secret to Getting More Out of Life?

MBO Partners

While the world has seemed in a never ending state of flux, life goals for US workers are surprisingly familiar, according to a new study from MBO Partners. The Life Goals study, released today shows that family time, leading a fulfilling life, and getting the most out of life are most important for traditional workers and independent workers. However, when it comes to meeting those goals, there are differences between independent and traditional workers. Independent workers outperform other workers in many categories but when it comes to being on track for retirement, almost half of workers report being successful compared to 41% of independent workers. “Our State of Independence has found that independents tend to be happier and healthier than their traditionally employed counterparts, but with this new look at Life Goals, it proves that going independent is better for one’s life overall,” said Miles Everson, CEO, MBO Partners. “The Great Realization is unequivocally here, and it’s time for enterprises to really get serious about considering independent professionals in their workforce strategic planning.” The past few years broadly reset many people’s life clocks, and, as a result, better work-life balance, the ability to pursue passions, and even health and wellness are taking center stage as top priorities. The Life Goals research shows that US workers’ top three stated life goals are: spending enough time with their family, leading a fulfilling life, and getting the most out of life. Independent workers report greater success at leading a fulfilling life, 61% versus 54% for traditional workers; leading a fulfilling life, 61% versus 54% for traditional workers and getting the most out of life, 57% compared to 52% of traditional workers. As companies grapple with quiet quitting, return to office and loud layoffs, the Life Goals study delivers insight into what matters to workers beyond benefits and compensation. The top 3 goals have an underlying foundation of time. Companies can support employees' life goals with work policies that give them time to spend with family, pursue passions and get the most out of life. This may mean modifying company culture around off-hours work and communication, adopting flexible schedules, or instituting digital nomad policies. To obtain a copy of the full Life Goals research brief, please visit http://bit.ly/3kMJ9E7 About MBO Partners® MBO Partners is a direct sourcing platform that enables enterprises and independents to work efficiently together. Its unmatched experience and industry leadership enable it to operate on the forefront of the independent economy and consistently advance the next way of working. For more information, visit mbopartners.com. Contact Details Words For Hire for MBO Partners Karen Swim +1 586-461-2103 pr@mbopartners.com Company Website https://mbopartners.com

January 31, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Hottest 2023 Travel Trends and Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

YourUpdateTV

Travel is on the rebound in 2023! Eighty percent of Americans report high degrees of excitement about travel this year, with 79% already having trips planned in the next several months, as reported in a recent study. Recently, Cruise and Travel Expert, and Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, Colleen McDaniel, partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line on a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss top travel trends and destinations for 2023. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/z3UQEcR_x50 With Companies like Norwegian Cruise Line reporting record demand going into 2023, it demonstrates travelers are ready to get away…and sail away. In fact, a recent AAA survey finds 52% of U.S. adults are just as likely or more likely to consider taking a cruise vacation than they were before 2020. That number is up from 45% one year ago. For those looking to maximize their vacation, cruising is a great option. It provides travelers with the opportunity to visit multiple destinations with only having to unpack once. You can discover Europe’s most charming port cities and wake up in a new country each day; and for those looking to reconnect with nature, a voyage through Alaska’s Inside Passage takes travelers up close to the natural beauty and wildlife of the destination. With cruising, it’s just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. From discovering new places, to enjoying new experiences, cruising provides the variety and immersive experiences travelers are looking for. In fact, Norwegian Cruise Line sails to nearly 400 destinations worldwide and is preparing to debut its next groundbreaking ship – Norwegian Viva – during the summer of 2023. As of January 24th, NCL is offering 50% off all cruises, plus free airfare for the second guest, free open bar, free specialty dining, free excursions, free WiFi, and more! Go to ncl.com to learn more about available itineraries and to start planning your long-awaited vacation at sea. About Colleen McDaniel Colleen McDaniel is Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic, the world’s largest online cruise resource. She considers cruising to be a true passion, having traveled the world by water – from Alaska, the Caribbean and Hawaii, to Europe’s rivers, Antarctica and Africa – on ships of all ships and sizes. She’s regularly quoted as a cruise expert in media outlets across the country, including outlets like The Associated Press, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX Business, CNBC, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and Skift. Cruise Critic is the world’s largest cruise reviews and information site, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers -- from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 50M+ opinions, reviews & photos and hosts the world's largest online cruise community. Cruise Critic is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 25, 2023 04:11 PM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Travel Technology Association Files Comments with DoT Supporting Transparency & Consumer Protections

Travel Tech

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and consistent advocate for public policy that supports a competitive and transparent marketplace, filed comments today in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on “ Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees ” (DOT-OST-2022-0109). “Travel Tech has long supported the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts to ensure consumers have access to critical ancillary fee information. We did so in 2014 and are doing so again in 2023,” stated Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “For too long, consumers have lacked the consistent ability to know the true cost of different flight options.” In its comments, Travel Tech addresses how ancillary fee information should be provided to ticket agents. In its proposed rule, the DOT seeks to omit global distribution systems from receiving mandatory ancillary fee data from airlines. “Travel Tech strongly recommends that ancillary fee data be shared with all channels that distribute fare and schedule information,” Chadwick continued. “It is the most simple and direct way to solve the issue of ancillary fee transparency for consumers.” Travel Tech also filed a petition today requesting a hearing on DOT’s proposed requirement to display the critical ancillary fee information on the first page of online search results. Travel Tech addresses this matter in its comments. “Our members are the leading innovators in creating consumer-friendly online travel information sites. We are deeply concerned about the DOT’s first-page search results requirements included in the proposed regulation. These rules, if adopted as written, will clutter and confuse the online air travel shopping experience for consumers. This is especially true for travel comparison sites that display multiple airlines’ schedules and fares,” said Chadwick. “In our comments and hearing petition, we argue that the Department should not displace ticket agents’ well-established expertise with a government-regulated website design mandate. Ticket agents should have the flexibility to design appropriate displays of ancillary fees and develop innovative new methods for consumers as well,” Chadwick continued. ### About Travel Tech The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is the voice of the travel technology industry, advocating for public policy that promotes transparency and competition in the marketplace to encourage innovation and preserve consumer choice. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies and metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms. To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Dan Rene of kglobal at 202-329-8357 or daniel.rene@kglobal.com. Contact Details Travel Technology Association Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.traveltech.org.

January 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

News Release

79% Of Americans Drink 2+ Cups Of Coffee Per Day, Survey Finds

Finance News

America runs on coffee with the average US adult consuming more than one cup per day, a number which is increasing with more people working from home. After crunching numbers sourced from Statista, the data analysts at Safe Betting Sites have found that 79 percent of coffee drinkers in the US are drinking two or more cups per day when they are at home on a weekday. Meanwhile, 62 percent of coffee drinkers are consuming a to-go coffee at least once per week with 20 percent drinking a to-go coffee every day. Drip coffee remains America’s preferred way to enjoy a cup of joe with 36 percent of respondents saying it was their favorite. More than half of US adults (51 percent) also agreed with the statement that “coffee is a pure pleasure to me”. 79% Of American Coffee Drinkers Are Consuming 2+ Cups Of Coffee Per Day Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more Americans have been working from home, and for some, that means drinking more coffee. According to a recent survey by Statista, 79 percent of American coffee drinkers are consuming at least two cups per day when at home on a weekday. Only 21 percent of respondents said that they drank just one cup of coffee or fewer when at home. The survey, which was sourced from Statista, analyzed the habits of 831 daily coffee drinkers in the US aged 18-74. By comparison, 31 percent of respondents drank 4-6 cups of coffee per day while 20 percent consumed 3 cups and 27 percent consumed 2 cups of coffee per day. 62% Of Coffee Drinkers Buy A To-Go Coffee At Least 1x Per Week Coffee lovers aren’t just drinking coffee when they are at home either. In fact, 44 percent of Americans are drinking a to-go coffee more than once per week. That compares to 21 percent that said they drank one to-go coffee per week and 38 percent that said they drank a to-go coffee less often or even never. Overall, 20 percent of coffee drinkers said that they drank at least one to-go coffee every day. Drip Coffee (36%) Is America’s Favorite Way To Drink Coffee The survey also asked Americans to rate their favorite way to brew their coffee. Good old-fashioned drip coffee remains America’s preferred way to drink coffee with 36 percent of respondents saying it was their favorite. Cappuccino (11 percent), Iced Coffee (10 percent), and Instant Coffee (nine percent) were among the next on the list of America’s favorite way to drink coffee. Drip Coffee — 36% Cappuccino — 11% Iced Coffee — 10% Instant Coffee — 9% 74% Of Americans Drink Coffee Every Day Of course, this isn’t the first time that Statista polled Americans on their coffee drinking habits. The findings confirm another Statista study from the summer. Back in June 2022, Statista asked 1,592 Americans how often they drank coffee. A whopping 73.9 percent of respondents answered “every day” compared to 17.5 percent that responded “most days”. Meanwhile, only 8.5 percent of respondents were occasional coffee drinkers who responded “sometimes”. Coffee Is 2nd-Most Popular Drink After Bottled Water Coffee is still America’s drink of choice, according to a Statista poll that surveyed over 7,500 US adults from October 2021 to September 2022. In fact, only bottled water is consumed by more Americans as their drink of choice (63 percent). Trailing coffee, soft drinks (56 percent), juice (50 percent) and tea (48 percent) were also among the most common beverages consumed by US adults. When it comes to alcohol, beer (25 percent) edged out wine (24 percent) for the most popular alcoholic beverage in the US. Here are the full results from the poll below. Bottled Water — 63% Coffee — 57% Soft Drinks — 56% Juice — 50% Tea — 48% Energy Drinks — 27% Beer — 25% Wine — 24% For full survey data, visit: https://www.safebettingsites.com/2023/01/19/79-of-americans-drink-2-cups-of-coffee-per-day-survey-finds/ Contact Details Finance News Alex Brown alex@financenews.com

January 23, 2023 05:40 PM Eastern Standard Time

Minuteman Press Franchise in Denver Acquires 31-Year Business A Great American Print Shop

Minuteman Press International Inc

Abel Corral, owner of Minuteman Press in Denver located at 4725 Paris Street, Suite 200, has acquired independent printing business A Great American Print Shop from retiring owner Frank Hibberd. A Great American Print Shop operated in Denver for 31 years. When Frank received a mailer from Minuteman Press, he reached out to Regional VP Jack Panzer. Jack says, “Frank wanted to retire and I told him about our unique ability to help independent print shops sell their business. I connected him with Abel, who had expressed interest growing and expanding his business through an acquisition. I am glad they were able to work out a deal, and I wish Frank all the best in retirement.” On the acquisition, Abel Corral says, “The acquisition came about on the heels of our three year anniversary; this is also our second acquisition in two years. I was looking for a way to grow my business and so I let it be known to Jack Panzer that I’d be interested in acquiring another print shop.” Abel continues, “A Great American Print Shop was strategically located within an area that I already reach and market to and so this acquisition just seemed like a good fit. I really liked that this was an established business with growth potential that I feel my team could capitalize on. The potential upside, close proximity, and perfect timing all came into play.” He adds, “The acquisition included an established client base, paper inventory, some equipment including cutters, and access to Frank during the transition. I expect this acquisition to help increase revenue by 20-25%. Also, this acquisition benefits AGAP’s customers in three key ways: First, we have received all of the previous artwork for AGAP clients to ensure a seamless transition as we serve their print, design, and mailing needs. Second, we will be able to offer promotional products and apparel to AGAP clients, which were not previously available. Third, we will be providing value-added local customer service and client support. Our Minuteman Press location is near Peoria & Interstate 70: 4725 Paris St. #200, Denver, CO 80239, inside the Pinecreek Office Center. We are also offering free delivery to AGAP customers.” Abel concludes, “I’m very grateful that my Regional VP Jack Panzer helped me by presenting this opportunity and helping me through the process. I expect this could be a game-changer for our business.” Abel Corral’s Minuteman Press franchise in Denver is located at 4725 Paris Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80239. For more information, call or visit their website: https://minuteman.com/us/locations/co/denver20/ Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and see Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

January 23, 2023 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Financial Literacy for High $chool $tudents

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/IxBeWS6oSRI Would it surprise you to know that high school students, like most Americans overall, display a strikingly low level of financial knowledge. 75% of students graduate unprepared to do basic financial tasks like manage a budget, build credit, and save for their future. Financial mistakes during early adulthood could have meaningful consequences post-graduation. A lack of financial literacy is linked to less confidence, higher debt and less savings, on average. Across classrooms, there’s a growing need for financial education and that is where Intuit and Suh Family Foundation come in. Intuit and the Suh Family Foundation are partnering to bring financial literacy education to high school students in some of the nation’s largest school districts in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Oakland. This ensures teachers, staff and local partnering nonprofits can continue to leverage financial education in future years. The program follows a successful pilot serving students in the Portland Public Schools through a partnership with Self Enhancement, Inc., where Intuit and the Suh Family Foundation provided workshops and training to staff to deliver personal finance education to students. Through the program expansion, Intuit is equiping teachers with a financial literacy curriculum and skills-building resources, providing students across the country with a stronger financial foundation. Across classrooms, there’s a growing need to teach personal finance skills. Greater financial literacy tends to translate into higher financial well-being – yet 28% of adults say they’ve never participated in a financial education program. 1 Those with a stronger understanding of personal finance topics are more likely to spend less than their income, have emergency funds set aside, and take steps to plan for their long-term financial future. 2 Intuit is pairing its expertise on essential personal finance topics, including taxes, savings, and budgeting with expertise from the Suh Family Foundation in wealth building, credit management and investing. “Intuit believes every student should have the opportunity to prosper, regardless of zip code. Our partnership with the Suh Family Foundation helps us scale our personal finance programming across Intuit’s Prosperity Hub School Districts,” said David Zasada, VP Corporate Responsibility at Intuit. “We aim to instill confidence for teachers who are tasked with teaching core finance topics and help build confidence for students as they take this financial education into the real world upon graduation.” Intuit and the Suh Family Foundation are bringing hands-on workshops, resources, and ongoing support to select schools within Intuit’s Prosperity Hub School District Program, including Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Inglewood Unified School District and Compton Unified School District in the LA area, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) in the San Francisco Bay Area, and Dallas Independent School District (DISD) in Dallas, Texas. For teachers living outside of school districts where live workshops will be available, Intuit has made its financial literacy curriculum publicly available at no cost at: www.intuit.com/financialbasics About Intuit Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With more than 100 million customers worldwide using TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us for the latest information about Intuit, our products and services, and find us on social. About The Suh Family Foundation Founded by Ndamukong and Katya Suh, the Suh Family Foundation works hand-in-hand with communities to supply resources across three pillars that were pivotal to the Suh’s own success: education, health and wellness, and empowerment. The Foundation is a family-run and operated non-profit organization. For more information on the Foundation and opportunities to get involved, please visit https://www.ndamukongsuh.com/philanthropy. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 23, 2023 10:05 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

Longing for Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters?

YourUpdateTV

Recently, the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Joseph Boschult conducted a satellite media tour to share tips on how to best experience the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you are longing for pristine beaches and turquoise waters, the U.S Virgin Islands offers some of the best beaches and resorts found anywhere in the world. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/V2al2NCSyZQ New year, new outlook, new travel plans! About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. Major U.S airlines offer direct daily flights from the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico to the islands. The islands are perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Resilience in Tourism During Covid and the Great Comeback With three to four ships visiting per day, the USVI is one of the largest cruising destinations in the Caribbean. Before the pandemic, cruising injected over $300 million into the local economy and accounted for about 70% of the tourism business. Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, the airports in the USVI never closed. In addition, implemented an online travel screening portal and worked closely with all of their local partners, including restaurants, hotels, excursion companies, and other tourism-related businesses. The USVI is gearing up for a very successful 2023. USVI had the highest increase of visitors in the Caribbean from 2019 vs 2022. Best Places to Travel to in 2023 The editors of Conde Nast Traveler put the USVI at the top of its Best Places to Go in 2023 citing the islands’ new hotels, resort openings, the national park, and Carnival festivals. The editors at Travel + Leisure ranked USVI as one of its 50 best 2023 destinations in its “For Beach Vibes” section. Yahoo! Life listed the USVI as one of the top ten tropical islands to get to in under three hours from the U.S. Readers of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine voted USVI as the Best Caribbean Cruise Destination for 2023. Frommer's also gave the island territory top billing in its annual Best Places to Go in 2023 list. New Brand Campaign: Naturally in Rhythm, what that Means for the USVI The campaign is designed to supports the hotel recovery and to inspire visitors to fall naturally in rhythm with the diverse culture, natural wonders, and beautiful hotels and resorts of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The new campaign also reminds visitors that they can come again to escape the stresses of city lifestyles and to invite newcomers to imagine tasting our unique cuisine, laying on our powdery beaches, swimming in our pristine waters, and exploring our historic cobblestone streets and protected national parks. It speaks to travelers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience comprising food, heritage, culture, and nature without having to leave U.S. soil. Among other aspects of the campaign is the revamped USVI tourism website, which contains a more comprehensive trip- planning section that highlights restaurants, shops, services,and other businesses that cater to tourists in the destination. In addition to dynamic content, the site uses new imagery that keeps it authentic and enthralling at the same time. Food- Sharing and Culture Local signature USVI dishes include Johnny Cakes, deep-fried bread made from cornmeal; pate, a ground beef, chicken, or salted cod wrapped in dough and deep-fried; peas and rice, kidney beans with brown rice; or fungi, the Caribbean version of polenta. Locally made fish soup is served for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. Another popular dish is callaloo soup, which is made with daheen plant leaves, okra, local herbs, and sometimes meats or seafood. Wash it all down with a local Cruzan Rum signature cocktail. The USVI is rich with historic and cultural influences include Danish, French, Spanish and African - Danish the most prevalent. Carnivals are celebrated in the USVI in December/January on St. Croix, June/July on St. John, and April/May on St. Thomas. For more information visit: visitusvi.com BIO: JOSEPH BOSCHULTE Joseph Boschulte is the Commissioner for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Commissioner Boschulte brings over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and government to the tourism department. The Commissioner has held high-level positions in transportation, utilities, telecommunications, finance, government development and investment banking with a proven track record of improving organizational performance and growth. Boschulte formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO), Chief Financial Officer of both the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Government of the Virgin Islands Employees’ Retirement System, and chaired the VI Public Services Commission. Additionally, Boschulte serves as the former Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), Executive Director for UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with Wachovia Securities in Atlanta, and Vice President of Banc of America Securities in Charlotte and New York City. Currently, Boschulte serves as the Chairman for the Board of Directors of The West Indian Company Limited (WICO) and sits on the board for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. He is also a member of the US Travel Association. Commissioner Boschulte earned his MBA from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. A family man first, Commissioner Boschulte is a husband to his wife Aisha, and proud parents of children Jaeden and Janae. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

January 19, 2023 03:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Consumer

Hollywood Star Cuts Starts Franchise Expansion!

Digital Addiction is Affecting Adolescent Brain Development, Mental Health Experts Warn

Workforce Study: Is Going Independent the Secret to Getting More Out of Life?

The Hottest 2023 Travel Trends and Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Travel Technology Association Files Comments with DoT Supporting Transparency & Consumer Protections

79% Of Americans Drink 2+ Cups Of Coffee Per Day, Survey Finds

Minuteman Press Franchise in Denver Acquires 31-Year Business A Great American Print Shop

Financial Literacy for High $chool $tudents

Longing for Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters?

Travel Technology Association Files Comments with DoT Supporting Transparency & Consumer Protections