US Virgin Islands – Great Exploration Tours is launching the Made-in-the-US Virgin Islands Sample Box as well as a virtual tourism offering that aims to promote economic recovery for local businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
 
Shelley Williams, President of Great Exploration Tours, says since the Virgin Island’s economy is primarily dependent upon tourism, she and other small business owners are looking for alternative ways to sustain their businesses through the global COVID-19 pandemic. Williams believes it makes good sense to evolve towards virtual tourism and online retailing.

The Made-in-the-US Virgin Islands Sample Boxes, available for online ordering is available at our Shopify store, and features an array of products. “These are unique items that are culturally appropriate,” she says, “They contain beautiful handmade goods and products made by local artisans, craftsman, and creatives.”
 
“More than two million tourists come to the Virgin Islands each year,” Williams says, “Because people aren’t able to travel, this offers the opportunity to visit virtually and continue to support our region economically and in a socially conscious manner. In addition, we hope customers find extra satisfaction knowing that they are also providing relief to  local small businesses, women and minority owned companies that have been severely impacted by the loss of  tourism, giving them an alternative way to generate income.”
 
Williams says the Made-in-the-US Virgin Islands Sample Boxes are win-win for consumers and business owners, in that would-be travelers still get to enjoy a virtual tour at (, while having some physical element in their hand so they can experience the local culture and products. The Made-in-the-US Virgin Islands Sample Boxes are a unique, innovative, way to promote locally-made products, which will contribute to the growth of local Virgin Islands businesses, as well as provide a vehicle for local families to advance from low-wage jobs into the middle class. Williams believe people will keep these items as an enduring reminder of the Made-in-the-US Virgin Islands brand.