St. Kitts Tourism Views to Consider
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St. Kitts Dive Scene
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Basseterre, St.Kitts, 22nd November, 2007 - Tour Operators, media representatives and meeting planners visited the destination aboard the inaugural American Airlines non-stop service out of JFK Airport, USA. Having spent three days on island as guests of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort they were able to share their views on the destination’s potential.
While on island the groups were hosted to a welcome reception by the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, cultural performances, island and diving tours, shopping, Emerald Mist Spa treatments, golfing, dining around, bar hopping along the Frigate Bay Beach strip and they were also introduced to new Resort developments. All this was part of a joint effort to create an awareness of St. Kitts amongst the tour operators, media and meeting planners so that they in turn can better inform their respective clients about the destination; and as an added bonus, that it is within easy reach!
When spoken to one on one, the various representatives echoed the same sentiments, as shared by Sallie Rawlings of American Express Vacations, “the island is so very beautiful and un-spoilt. This quality should be safeguarded so that it does not change drastically over time.” Ms Rawlings continued with an insight into her clientele, “our travelers are not first time vacationers….so they have high expectations for service and having their needs met….they want to go out and experience the destination, so having different types of tours on offer would be good…but they also expect great care.” Sallie was impressed with the quality of her meals on island and as a result suggests that organizing opportunities for visitors to dine around as she did, would also be a great way to experience St. Kitts and something visitors would enjoy.~~Adz:Right~~
Dive journalist, Denise Mattia, “I have done over 2500 dives in my life time. The three dives I did here were great. I’ve found your reefs to be quite beautiful and dive master Kenneth Samuel is very knowledgeable and passionate about the diving environment….having been exposed to other parts of the destination, I’ve found it to be a destination divers of a varied levels of experience can come to. Today’s divers are not solely looking to dive, they want to experience the island above and below land……from what I’ve seen St. Kitts can fit into today’s diver’s needs quite well.”
Cruise Journalist, Mat Probasco, commended the ability of the cruise passenger to ease their way into the capital from Port Zante, therefore considering this a plus for them and the destination. Mr. Probasco referred to Basseterre as “easy capital to get around in.” With regards to the Port Zante’s future development, from a cruise passenger’s point of view he commented, “I hope to see a greater variety of shopping options as the years go by.” One Tour Operator mentioned that high end shops that offer eg. Luis Vuitton would add greatly to island’s shopping, especially as the destination is targeting the high end visitor.
Unoma Allen, Corporate Communications Manager said, “we listened carefully to views being shared, on what we can do to position ourselves to attract the high end visitors to our shores. In summary, mind blowing customer service, high end shopping options, unique tours and promoting the wonderful dining selections on island, to the visitors.”
