#United States #Sports Tourism #US Virgin Islands #Paradise Jam #St Thomas

Paradise Jam Celebrates Continued Partnership with US Virgin Islands

The renowned Paradise Jam basketball tournament is set to continue its legacy in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a recently announced four-year sponsorship agreement between Basketball Travelers, Inc. and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. This partnership guarantees that the event will be hosted annually in St. Thomas, maintaining its status as one of the preeminent NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments in the nation.

Entering its 27th year, Paradise Jam has proven to be more than just a basketball competition; it has become a vital part of the local culture and economy. Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its significance in promoting sports tourism.

"Paradise Jam has become a staple event in the U.S. Virgin Islands and a key driver of the territory's growing sports tourism industry," she stated.

This tournament not only showcases elite Division I basketball but also places the Virgin Islands in the national spotlight. It is an event that fills hotel rooms, boosts local businesses, and elevates the region's profile as a premier destination for sports and leisure activities.

Nels Hawkinson, the founder of Paradise Jam and Executive Director of Basketball Travelers, remarked on the importance of this long-term commitment.

"This four-year commitment represents stability, growth, and belief in what Paradise Jam brings to the Territory," said Hawkinson, emphasizing the positive economic impact of the tournament.

Every November, thousands of student-athletes, families, and fans travel to St. Thomas, fueling substantial visitor spending across the area. Local restaurants, attractions, and retail businesses benefit greatly, especially during the tourism-heavy season. With each passing year, the tournament brings national television coverage and strong attendance, bridging the thrill of championship-level basketball with the scenic beauty of the Virgin Islands.

Kreston Welch, President and Managing Partner of Basketball Travelers, noted that Paradise Jam transcends basketball, underscoring the importance of community, relationships, and the unique offerings of the U.S. Virgin Islands as a travel destination.

The spotlight placed on St. Thomas through Paradise Jam aligns with broader efforts to promote the U.S. Virgin Islands as a viable host for major group travel and large-scale sporting events. As interest in sports tourism accelerates, this partnership ensures St. Thomas remains firmly on the map as a desired locale for athletes and fans alike.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and upcoming events like Paradise Jam, visit their official tourism website. The picturesque islands, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant culture, offer a perfect backdrop for both leisure and sporting events, welcoming everyone from local attendees to global tourists.

As the partnership extends through 2029, both the tourism department and Basketball Travelers are committed to enhancing the experience for spectators while boosting the economy of the territory, proving that sporting events can drive significant growth and cultural richness.

To dive deeper into the beauty and offerings of the U.S. Virgin Islands, interested individuals can visit VisitUSVI.com.