Two major Cruise ships berth at Port Zante
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Cruise Supervisor of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Vincent Branch |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The arrival hall of Port Zante was buzzing with an influx of tourists earlier today (Nov. 24) when over 6000 tourists arrived on Queen Mary 2 and Emerald Princess, marking the former’s first visit to the island for the year.
During the course of their visit Queen Mary’s 2569 passengers along with the 3119 from the Emerald Princess flooded Basseterre availing themselves of shopping in the city as well heading further outward on island excursions.
Commenting to SKNVibes on the over 6000 visitors arriving on St. Kitts’ shores today, Product Development and Cruise Supervisor of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Vincent Branch attributed the large number of tourists to the ‘complete product package’ the twin islands offer.
He also credited the success of the Tourism season thus far to aggressive marketing on the part of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Ministry of Tourism.
“Our tourism product is a diverse product which offers a wide range of goods and services therefore creating a complete package.
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Minister of Tourism, along with major stakeholders have taken the St. Kitts experience to an entirely new level; from the arrival, to the on-island experience to the departure.”
Branch noted that infrastructure is in place for a promising cruise tourism season, and said his agency’s aim is to keep climbing higher to make St. Kitts the “ultimate Caribbean tourism destination”.
“Although the sector is seemingly challenged by the global economic crisis, all indications prove that cruise tourism will not slow down for our island. Tourists are very impressed... shopping is lucrative,” he said.
After a day of excitement and souvenir shopping on the island, passengers will board their respective ships later this afternoon and sail off to their next Caribbean destination.
