Basseterre, St Kitts – 19th October 2010 – Tourism Awareness Month continued this past weekend with a cultural display in mas and music during the Programme Launch of the 2010-2011 National Carnival.
“It is not by accident that the National Carnival Launch was strategically positioned during the observance of Tourism Awareness Month,” said Chairman Allister Williams. He further added that the festivals are an effective means to heighten cultural confidence, bolster regional and international travel and encourage an appreciation of the popular folk culture.
Mr. Williams explained that in St Kitts, National Carnival is part of our tourism product. The festival attracts visitors and encourages nationals living in the Diaspora to return home for the unique experience of Christmas and Carnival in December.
“It is our hope that Carnival overtime can broaden in scope to include not only the Diaspora but also other markets,” Mr. Williams said. “It is for this reason that the high quality performances, colourful displays and the shared energy of participants as exhibited at the National Carnival Launch must be maintained so that our visitors will have a reason to return to the destination.”
Tourism Month is designed to create greater awareness about the importance and impact that the Tourism Industry has on National Development and the need for every person to treat the Industry with the respect it deserves.
The Month of Activities continue this week with the Heritage Treasure Hunt (Friday 22nd October), the Tenth Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday 23rd October and the Movado Fashion Show on Sunday 24th October.
For more information on the Tourism Awareness Month please contact The Events Production Unit in the Ministry of Tourism & International Transport at (869) 465 9123.
