Tourism Marketplace electrifies Independence Square

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SCORES of patrons last Friday supported the Tourism Awareness Month Marketplace held in Independence Square, in which representatives from the industry displayed their brightest and best wares.

The event was held as part of the ongoing activities of Tourism Awareness Month, all of which are designed to bring the importance of the tourism industry to the public.

Representatives from various hotels, including the Ocean Terrace Inn, Oualie Beach Resort and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino, were present, as were several local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in tourism-related businesses.

Acting Marketing Manager of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Melnecia Daniel said that the aim of the Marketplace was to “underscore the opportunities available in tourism. The main aim of the event is to create awareness among the local people, especially our youths, of the importance of the tourism industry to our economic sustenance”.

Other activities included a folklore presentation, a food fair and a fashion show consisting of locally made garments.
Nigel Williams of the Department of Culture likened the Marketplace to “a job exhibition”.

“All of these activities are showcasing career opportunities which persons can access through tourism. Persons can become models or chefs, hoteliers or performers. Anyone who attended the tradeshow should leave with the idea that they found something here today from which they can potentially begin a career.”

The highlight of the event was the Schools Pan Competition in which Pantastics of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College was declared champions over the St. Kitts Nevis Steel Orchestra (SKNSO) of Basseterre High and the bands from Cayon and Sandy Point High Schools.

This marked the second hosting of the Marketplace in Independence Square.