BASSETERRE (3rd November, 2015): The month of November has been officially declared as Tourism Month by the Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry & Commerce, The Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant.
A number of special activities are scheduled to highlight the theme “One million tourists, one million opportunities.” St. Kitts will be reaching the milestone of welcoming the one millionth cruise passenger during the 2015-2016 cruise season.
“Certainly, this is cause for celebration,” Minister Grant said. “The tourism industry is dynamic, and lots have been and will be happening to propel the sector forward… This means additional opportunities for small businesses and local communities. We therefore are encouraging prospective entrepreneurs to devise creative and workable ideas for new attractions so that our guests can be fully engaged.”
Minister Grant pointed out that the tourism industry is dynamic, and that the Ministry of Tourism will seek out opportunities to propel the sector forward.
This week the Ministry of Tourism we will be hosting a Yachting Forum to bring stakeholders together to share ideas on opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Recently Minister Grant visited Canada and England and signed agreements with golfing associations to further promote sports tourism and establish St. Kitts as a golfing destination.
Additionally, as part of efforts to build capacity and empower the people of St. Kitts during the period September to November, the Ministry of Tourism in conjunction with the St. Kitts Tourism Authority have been conducting taxi training seminars for taxi operators to lift the quality of service and enhance the overall visitor experience.
“However, training will not be limited to the transportation sector as we shall extend it to shops, vendors and to employees in the industry,” Minister Grant said.
With Kittitian Hill about to open, also the continued work on the Park Hyatt Hotel at Banana Bay, construction of the Koi Resort and Residences and other real estate projects, Minister Grant said there was a need to intensify our marketing and grow our stay-over arrivals.
“That is where the money is, and we are working steadfastly with our tourism partners to grow this segment,” Minister Grant said.
During the month of November the St. Kitts Tourism Authority along with the Ministry of Tourism will be organizing a number of activities, including Talks in Schools, radio/television programs and a video and photo competition.
“As Minister of Tourism, I encourage all of our citizens to come on board and to become a part of the excitement and dynamism of tourism,” Grant said. “Tourism is everyone’s business, and each one of us has a part to play by showing hospitality to visitors, becoming more knowledgeable about our country, showing an interest in working in the industry and in promoting our destination, as word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful tools to create positive images of our country.”