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| NIBF President and travel agent Renee Digiulio won two awards at the 28th Caribbean Tourism Conference held late October in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 10, 2005): The showcase of the Youth Department's Summer Residential Camp and the possibility of visitors sharing in this unique experience charmed delegates and proved to be an award winning formula at the recently held Caribbean Tourism Conference.
Chicago-based travel agent and President of the Naismith International Basketball Foundation (NIBF) Renee DiGiulio won an award for creativity by highlighting the entertaining and educational aspects of the camp, which the NIBF sponsors along with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs.
Through a promotion dubbed "Help Us Help Others and Visit St. Kitts & Nevis " A Campers Invitation" Digiulio's presentation prompted the 700 plus delegates and their clientele to "visit and experience the beautiful islands of St. Kitts and Nevis."
This feature highlighted popular events at camp including hiking, bonfire and storytelling, talent show, street parade and grand finale banquet at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
"The flexible schedule (of the camp) allows them (visitors) to have plenty of time to experience the island as well. They can eat any of their meals at the camp or (personally explore) cuisine of the many fine restaurants in St. Kitts," she presented.
"I am in St. Kitts for the entire two weeks during camp, therefore, I can help the clients arrange any tours as well as provide them with transportation to and from the camp. This is a golden opportunity for anyone to work with the children and take a vacation at the same time."
DeGiulio also engaged in a promotion, inviting youths from other islands to attend the camp and to continue its growth as an inter-island camp, which offers a multicultural experience.
"This is a fantastic experience for both the youth and adults to experience another islands culture, history and beauty," the travel agent stressed, referring to the camp. "This will be an ongoing program to promote St. Kitts. This year we had 27 participants and I anticipate to triple that for 2006."
To achieve this goal Renee, personally hands out letters to the ministers and directors of tourism at Caribbean Tourism Organization conferences and board of director's meetings.
The letter explains all about the camp and asks the respective Ministry of Tourism to identify four individuals who are less fortunate to come as campers from their island. A chaperone is also invited as a camp group leader at camp and also works with the other children.
DeGiulio was very honoured to receive the creativity award. Her attendance at the late October conference was made even more special when she received an award recognizing her as the "Travel Agent of the Year."
