BASSETERRE, St. Kitts –- ST. KITTS AND NEVIS is expected to see a large influx of tourists beginning in the latter part of this month as the twin-island Federation is preparing to host a number of major local and regional events.
With St. Kitts, in particular, set to host some of the top names in regional and international entertainment and sports, the Federation’s ports of entry would soon be buzzing with activities, beginning with Music Festival later this month.
Minister of Tourism the Hon. Richard Skerritt told SKNVibes that during summer the competition for tourists rises to a very high level in the Caribbean region, and that is the main reason why activities such as the Music Festival was initiated.
“We know that tourism is a very competitive phenomenon. It’s competitive in the sense that there are many options as visitors don’t have to come to St. Kitts and Nevis. I try to make that point all the time. It is costly for travelers to decide to take a trip somewhere for some reason.”
He explained that one of the “good reasons for people to travel to the Caribbean is for entertainment and enjoyment”, adding that this provides a stimulant to the economy.
“They would be travelling for musical activities, they travel for sporting activities, they travel for family activities and other such activities. The summer is traditionally a time where the visitors who come from the colder parts of the world don’t travel as much, because its summer in their countries.
“So during the summer we try to have various activities and reasons to draw visitors, including Caribbean visitors from neighboring islands.”
The Minister declared that with events such as the upcoming Caribbean Premiere League (CPL), which St. Kitts would be hosting nine matches inclusive of the Semi-Finals and Finals, is a major drawing card in bringing regional tourists to the Federation.
This, coupled with the island hosting the First Round of the Caribbean Cup in September, would boost Sports Tourism in the Federation.
“Events like CPL and Music Festival are designed to bring some economic benefits, and that is why it requires investments. Government and the private sector who are concerned about economic growth have to bite the bullet and understand that you only get out if you put in,” Skerritt declared.
He noted that both islands are set to benefit from Culturama, which is schedule for July24- Aug.5 in Nevis.
“So, this summer in the Federation you got Culturama. This is also an event that both St. Kitts and Nevis would benefit from. I have been working actively with a large group out of the UK who would be coming in for Culturama, and we would be greeting them here in St. Kitts in grand style,” He added.
He reiterated that one of the aims for his Ministry would be to have returning nationals, Caribbean guests and international visitors coming to the islands to spend money.
