Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 1, 2005): In an official statement to launch Tourism Week 2005, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism Hon. Senator Richard Skerritt called for more attention to be paid to tourism by the average person in society.
According to Minister Skerritt, the average person is likely not to have fully realized the importance of tourism on his/her own economic development.
The Minister revealed that the industry is now responsible for a substantial portion of out national accounts and directly affects the livelihood of a growing number of residents.
He explained that in 2004 tourism related earnings contributed almost $300 million dollars to the Federation's economy.
He revealed the fact that a number of tourism investments will be coming on stream in the near future, which will help to further increase the demand for hospitality related services and generate more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Commenting on the theme for Tourism Week 2005, "Preparing to Welcome the World," the minister mentioned the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 and the resulting enthusiast following, urging attention to preparedness to host visitors.
"The theme recognizes the thrust to take hospitality services to higher levels of excellence in order to provide a globally competitive experience for visitors." the Minister said.
The week's programme of activities emphasizes the need for ongoing training, highlights the talent of our local artistes, promotes career opportunities in tourism, involves students in quizzes and other awareness activities.
For the first time, Tourism Week also integrates the launching of National Carnival as part of the tourism product.
