‘Kittitianising’ tourists
WITH THE RETURN OF ST KITTSAND NEVIS LABOUR PARTY (SKNLP) TO GOVERNMENT following the August 5th polls, tourism has rebounded, and sector authorities want to strike the iron while it’s hot.
Kittitianising tourist is the heart of what the new government wants to accomplish. In the quest, they are currently mobilising resources to recapitalise and rebuild the industry to lure visitors to the dual-island nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
“During this month, we will have a total of six inaugural cruise calls which include the world’s largest (cruise) vessel Wonder of the Seas calling on Thursday, 24th November. During this month, we will also begin to see the return of our legacy air carriers who operate seasonally,”
Tourism Minister, Marsha Henderson, disclosed.
Henderson said her destination country has generated quite a bit of interest in key markets as global travel and tourism rebound from the devastation of the contagious and deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
“We need to recognize and acknowledge this trend and use it to our advantage by allowing our authentic Kittitian experience, history, and culture to headline our experiential tours and dialogues allowing for impactful and genuine distinct visitor experience,” she stressed.
But outstanding issues still gnaw at the heels of the lucrative service industry in her country, the minister admitted.
“I am also cognisant of the challenges of airlift and the need to invest in the tourism plant and room stock. I want to assure you, however, that your government has begun discussions with local and international partners to identify sustainable solutions.”
As such, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority launched its Venture Deeper campaign in last September to offers opportunities to delve into the island’s distinct characteristics while introducing elements of introspective self-discovery,” Henderson said, elaborating on the Kittitianising-visitors-plan.
The blueprint, she explained, is in keeping with current global traveller trends.
Citizens and residents can look forward to a solid and robust marketing campaign shortly.
“With the new brand campaign and a strong marketing team, committed stakeholders and the Ministry’s and the Authority’s building human capital, we will expand our industry. We will open doors for economic growth for our people as well. We need each of you,” the Minister expressed. She reminded that, “tourism isn’t just about the hoteliers, the restaurant owners, the taxi and tour bus operators, and our tour guides, but it includes you, the public, the proverbial everyday man/woman on the street. We need the farmers, educators, individuals working at the gas stations and those in the supermarkets. We are all a part of the tourism industry, whether directly or indirectly, and tourism is everyone’s responsibility.”
November is ‘Tourism Awareness Month in Basseterre.
