BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE projection by top tourism officials that the new British Airways service to St. Kitts would offer “considerable benefits to the tourism industry” is a major understatement.
That is because the airline has now taken the gold medal in delivering an unparalleled service standard at competitive rates to visitors and returning nationals looking to experience Sugar City.
In early January, the nation witnessed a historic occasion when British Airways, one of the world’s leading international air carriers, made its inaugural touch down at the RLB International Airport after flying out of London’s Gatwick Airport. This was celebrated because it became the only airline to offer a weekly scheduled service from the United Kingdom to St. Kitts.
The excitement and interest in British Airways only grew after that inaugural flight, as soon many travellers were able to witness firsthand the airline’s impeccable service to the Caribbean.
From the arrival at Gatwick to checking in at a local hotel, British Airways ensures that the 10-hour travel is safe, serene and seamless. One quick check on www.BA.com provides a comprehensive outlook of the entire flight process, from check-in and seat selection to car rentals and hotels to suit your travel needs.
The airline removes the hassle from international travel, and its five-star service is meticulously poised to give that at-home feeling and pampering you want during a long, transatlantic flight. The service is more than revolutionary; it is simply phenomenal.
In fact, the international airline has won the favour of well-known local hotelier Dimitris Cosvogiannis, General Manager of the second largest hotel on the island, the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino.
He said that while the destination lacks the necessary publicity on the international market, British Airways provides a vehicle through which people can now conveniently and in luxury come to St. Kitts.
“British Airways is making that transition between discovering St. Kitts and coming back a reality. The combination of the friendliness, the ease of checking in, the professional service, the high quality and the competitive prices makes the time go by as if it were a two-hour flight. British Airways is certainly the company that holds the gold medal for service from the UK to St. Kitts,” Cosvogiannis said.
Cosvogiannis noted that because British Airways provides reliable, on-time weekly service from the UK, a market which is greatly linked to the Caribbean, it is important for local hotels to offer a high quality product at competitive rates in order to encourage more BA travellers to the island.
He noted that the “right price” from local hoteliers would be the perfect complement to the luxury service British Airways offers.
“I am calling on all the industry professionals to start to provide their guests with excellent service from the get-go, and not have to play catch-up when they arrive here after a long journey. By channelling guests through British Airways, we increase the sales of seats—which allows the average seat rate to drop and be attractive enough to increase a high volume of travellers,” he explained.
The Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino has pledged its support to British American, and has set the precedent by introducing exclusive rates for customers of the airline. It has also extended its check-in time to accommodate travellers on the weekly service.
The hotelier urged all of his colleagues in the industry to show support to British Airways, as the airline can facilitate increased European traffic to the Federation. He said that because the airline creates an incentive for people to travel to St. Kitts, hotels and restaurants should support the cause, which would greatly assist the airline in expanding their marketing efforts to the UK.
“It is important for all of us as stakeholders to show support and forge similar relationships with British Airways,” Cosvogiannis asserted.
The local hotelier commended the international vessel for maintaining its high service standards amid an ongoing global financial crisis, and encouraged everyone to explore BA travel opportunities, which provide a safe and comfortable five-star journey to discover the hidden secrets of Sugar City, St. Kitts.
