The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort

Tell us a little about The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort:
The Buccaneer is a destination beach, tennis and golf resort, family-owned and operated since 1947. Its 340 tropical acres feature an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, three beaches, two pools, water sports center, full-service spa, fitness center, three restaurants, banquet and meeting spaces, and shopping arcade with fine boutiques.

Please share a little about the culture of your organization and what resonates with you most as a team member:
The Buccaneer has been family-owned and operated since 1947. We have many long-time employees as well as some that have been at the property for over 50 years. The Buccaneer is dedicated to growth within the company and cross-position training to help promote our employees to the next level.

What unique value proposition sets your brand apart from the competition?
The Buccaneer is historic, self-contained, and spacious. Since we are independently owned, we are able to add personal touches from the very beginning to each reservation. We also added a welcome gift from travel agents to their clients. The services offered on property are in excess of what would normally be found at a hotel of our size. Our rate includes many amenities such as daily breakfast, snorkel gear, kayaks, wifi, daily maid service, 24-hour fitness center, self-parking and more.

If you offer an online specialist course or other training program, please share details where advisors can learn more or sign-up:
Via the USVI Department of Tourism

What are your traditional commission structures?
10% on the room revenue paid 30 days post-departure

Tell us about a success story (and the WOW factors) when working with travel advisor(s):
“It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of thanks to you and your staff for the corporate group that we hosted last week at The Buccaneer. The service was impeccable at every level! It is clear that The Buccaneer takes pride in training their staff to the utmost standards of service, and in doing so you make all guests (even meeting planners) very happy! We look forward to many more opportunities to work with you and your fine staff again in the future! ” Allie Reeves Event Manager, Monalto Corporate Events

What is new and exciting that you’re looking forward to sharing with this year’s Owners CONNECT delegates?
The Buccaneer’s property offers the ideal situation to spread out and enjoy your holiday without sacrificing your personal space. The property has a long history of evolving and updating our product, including the rooms and public spaces. The Buccaneer is spread out to allow guests their own space of tranquility. We offer open-air dining and activities. The majority of rooms have direct access to the outside (no hallways) and every room has a private patio or balcony. The guest has the option to stay on property and enjoy a full experience as we have golf, tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, beach combing, fitness center and more all on site.

In light of the ongoing Covid19 situation, are there protocols you think are essential for travel advisors to be aware of when booking your brand?
Testing required for the territory, masks are required when in public spaces on and off property, and electrostatic cleaning of rooms and public areas is in place. We have socially distanced the beach / pool chairs and restaurant capacities are capped at 50% with tables spread out. Beach service is also available during restaurant hours.

The travel industry is forever evolving.  What are some of the trends you’re seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel agency owners and their teams sales efforts?
The Buccaneer continues to be heavily involved with the Department of Tourism’s outreach to agencies and supporting their FAM trips. We also offer discounted travel agent rates for those who wish to experience the property themselves.

Why should travel agency owners encourage their frontline sales force to book your brand as a preferred partner?
The Buccaneer offers a personal touch for both the agent and the guests as they will work directly with our team on property to ensure a memorable stay. We have garnered numerous awards including “Top 50 Resorts in the Caribbean” by Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for 2017-2019, “Travelers’ Choice Award” from Trip Advisor for 2020, and many more. The Buccaneer is located on the island of St. Croix which is a US territory so travel to and from the island is a breeze. No passports are required for U.S. Citizens.

What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel advisors?  And, do they integrate into current available technologies?  If yes, which ones?
Virtual presentations, fact sheets and brand material available. Website’s booking engine offers IATA to be entered at the time of booking to make this seamless.

When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect (ie turnaround time, dedicated point person, etc.)?
Our reservations team has been with the property over 20 years and will personally work with you to pick the best accommodations for your guests and our concierge team will be available before and during their stay to help along the way.

What advice can you share with agency owners as we prepare for 2021?
Encourage supporting independent hotels to provide a unique experience to the client.