SHANGHAI, China – IT is almost one week since the Federation’s booth was opened at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China and already local representatives have reported massive crowds wanting to learn about the twin-island paradise.
The expo runs from May 1 to October 31 and has a schedule of exhibitions, events and fora focused on the theme ‘Better City, Better Life’. The international event spans over 1000 acres and showcases over 200 countries, the Federation being one of the exhibition countries in the Caribbean Community Pavilion.
Head of the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Trade HE Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle said the exposure is unprecedented, adding that the delegation will maximize the chance to promote the twin-island state.
“Our participation provides us with the perfect opportunity to showcase St. Kitts and Nevis as a place to visit and invest. As a team we will leverage our unique and strategic advantages…to reach and communicate our message to as many of the 70 million expected visitors to the Expo Site during the next 184 days,” Hazelle said.
The Federation’s booth features depictions of various historic sites in St. Kitts and Nevis. Visitors to the booth were amazed by the art and beauty of the replica of the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Nevis Peak and Brimstone Hill Fortress. The most popular scene in the booth, according the Federation’s delegates, was definitely the Anglican Church Clock Tower.
Ambassador Hazelle is joined by trade official Yvette Baas, entrepreneur Sandra Weekes, representative from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Abdulla Skerritt and Darien Belle of the St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency as they promote the nation’s cultural uniqueness and investment potential.
“Almost every visitor to the booth took time out to take a photo in front of the clock tower…. Day one of this six month Expo was met with great anticipation as an estimated 350,000 Chinese and other nationals from around the world lined up from as early as 7:30 A.M. to enter the Expo Site.
“It was reported that over 300,000 tickets were sold or distributed for the Opening Day. Large crowds flocked the Caribbean Community’s Pavilion and made their way to each country’s booth within the pavilion,” Hazelle explained.
The Federation’s presence at the Expo places the nation’s tourism product on the world stage and the “impressive reviews” are expected to continue flowing in. The team anticipates unprecedented promotional opportunities to market the islands as an ideal place to live, visit, work and invest.
