SCASPA – A major contributor to Tourism development
~~Adz:Right`` Basseterre, St. Kitts - The 2008 – 2009 Cruise Season began on Saturday, October 24 with the arrival of Carnival Miracle. With a total of 216 scheduled visits from cruise ships with a combined passenger capacity of 483,208, this season figures are expected to surpass last year’s totals of 177 calls and 356,664 actual passengers. While cruise passenger arrivals have increased since 2005-2006, the number of passengers airlifted in and out of the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport has fallen since 2005. Factors including a drop off in winter charter flights and rising oil prices have accounted for this decrease.
What role does the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) play in the development of tourism? By providing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure, the Authority facilitates travel to and from St. Kitts. Over the past ten years, the Airport has undergone a major transformation. In 1998, the Terminal was renovated, the runway expanded and a second taxiway constructed. The modern Control Tower which houses the Air Traffic Control and Meteorology Departments was opened in 2003. Just two years ago, the runway and pavements were resurfaced, a third taxiway built and a parking apron for six jets constructed, all at a cost of almost EC$44mil. As a result of these expansions and upgrades, our Airport can now accommodate more and larger aircraft. With the recent conclusion of a feasibility study conducted by technical experts from Egis Avia, an airline navigational and engineering company in France, facilities and services at the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport will be upgraded even further in the near future.
Over the past eight years, the Authority invested heavily in capital projects which have served to boost the cruise tourism industry. In 2000 the cruise ship pier was repaired after being battered by Hurricanes Georges and Lenny. To minimize the risk of future hurricane damage to pier, Arrivals Buildings and reclaimed area, the Authority constructed a revetment - a structure made of stones which reduces the overtopping of waves. Even before the completion of this multi million dollar project in November 2007, a building boom began at Port Zante as investors were confident that their business ventures would be protected from the wrath of hurricanes. The revetment and repairs to the Pier cost approximately EC$67mil, an expense which is being borne solely by the Authority.
The contribution made by SCASPA is not limited to providing and maintaining infrastructure. In the past three years, the Authority has aggressively marketed St. Kitts as a choice destination. A platinum member of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, SCASPA has always been represented at the annual conference and trade show targeting cruise executives. SCASPA continues to send a delegation to Seatrade Miami to attend conference sessions and participate in the exhibition. For the first time, SCASPA had a presence at Seatrade Europe held in Germany last year. A major tour operator also represented St. Kitts. These promotional efforts have resulted in more and new business.
In Germany, four years of negotiations culminated in confirmation from Thomson Cruises that St. Kitts would be included on its itinerary during the 2008-2009 cruise season. We will welcome Thomson Destiny on its inaugural visit on December 23, the first of nine calls. Additionally, at Seatrade Miami this year, plans were finalized for the return of Norwegian Cruise Line ships to St. Kitts in 2009-2010.
The Authority is involved in other marketing strategies aimed at bringing new business to St. Kitts. In February last year, the General Manager was part of a three member team led by Tourism Minister the Hon Richard Skerritt which traveled to Miami to negotiate a summer programme with Carnival Corporation. Carnival Destiny became the first cruise vessel to visit St. Kitts during the off-season March – September. Its weekly Saturday calls contributed greatly to the almost 100% increase in passenger arrivals recorded in 2007-2008 over the previous season. This season, Carnival Victory replaces Carnival Destiny.
Undisputedly, the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority has made a significant contribution to the development of the tourism industry. The Authority will not relax its efforts to enhance infrastructure, improve customer service, and market St. Kitts as a prime destination. Our country depends on tourism and SCASPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders, will continue to play an indispensable role in creating growth in this major sector of our economy.
