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| The St. Kitts Tourism Authority Booth at the just concluded at the 12th Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 6TH 2005 (CUOPM) St. Kitts and Nevis has attracted another important regional tourism event.
The annual Caribbean Gift and Craft Show will be hosted in St. Kitts in September 2006.
The show attracts approximately 200 craft producers and wholesalers from the Caribbean, displaying their products to hundreds of potential buyers from the region, North America and Europe.
General Manager of the Craft House, Mr. Austin Weekes said there are several many benefits to be gained by the hosting of this prestigious event. He estimates hotel occupancy during the show of at least 700 people, the demand for services such as taxis and rentals, and other spin-offs for persons and businesses in related fields.
Our craft vendors and producers will also benefit as well, said Mr. Weekes, who added that he was flattered when asked about the decision to award hosting duties to the Federation.
St Kitts and Nevis has participated in the show for the past four years and has always had an interest in bringing this exciting event to the twin island Federation.
The Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture said it submitted a bid seeking to attract the show to St Kitts. This was followed by a presentation made on September 25 by Product Development Manager in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Randolph Hamilton and Mr. Weekes, at this year's event which was held in Barbados.
Participants were said to be impressed and chose St. Kitts and Nevis over several other competing territories.
Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Sen. the Hon. Ricky Skerritt, noted that winning this bid was a tremendous accomplishment and is testimony to the Federation's growing reputation as a venue for trade shows and conferences.
He said the just concluded successful hosting of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Conference and Trade Show and upcoming One Day International and Cricket Test and the 2006 International Whaling Commission Meeting next June, are major examples of the growing confidence the international community has in the Government and people of St Kitts and Nevis, as a tourism destination.
