CHARLESTOWN Nevis, March 30th 2011 - The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) proudly celebrates 10 years of existence on March 30th, 2011. Within just one year of its establishment, the marketing efforts of the NTA resulted in an impressive 41% in visitor arrivals to Nevis. Under the pioneering efforts of its first CEO, Ms Helen Kidd and its strong ‘Nevis Naturally brand’, the NTA has clearly positioned Nevis as a niche, up-market, environmentally friendly destination, setting it apart from other small Caribbean destinations, as a paradise with authentic West Indian charm. Despite global economic and other challenges, the Authority has provided solid marketing support for the island’s vital and resilient tourism sector since 2001.
Premier and Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration, the Honourable Joseph Parry said in a congratulatory statement. ‘Heartiest commendations to the Nevis Tourism Authority as it celebrates ten sterling years of marketing and promoting the destination of Nevis to visitors and investors alike, as a haven of distinctive and genuine Caribbean authenticity, inhabited by some of the friendliest people on earth’.
John Hanley, who is the first Nevisian CEO of the Authority, stated ‘Heartiest congratulations to the Nevis Tourism Authority as it celebrates this momentous milestone. I wish to most sincerely thank the NTA’s many allied partners, both local and overseas, for their sterling and continued support throughout the last decade, including all hotels on the island, other local businesses, its PR firm, Cheryl Andrews Marketing and various overseas representatives in the USA and Europe, who have worked on its behalf.’
Richard Lupinacci, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the NTA commented that ‘the tourism industry of Nevis and St Kitts and all of its stakeholders- investors, employees and Nevisians should recognize the efforts that the Nevis Tourism Authority has made to promote Destination Nevis. In the ten years of its existence it has greatly participated in positioning Nevis favorably in the highly competitive international tourist market. Regrettably this is a mission that is not always understood or appreciated by the man in the street. But those in the know offer hearty congratulations to the NTA and wish it well for the future of all of us.
Jamie Holmes, manager of the Nisbet Plantation Inn also offered his congratulations to the Nevis Tourism Authority. ‘Congratulations to the Nevis Tourism Authority on their 10th Anniversary. Nisbet Plantation is proud to be a partner with this wonderful group of Ladies & Gentlemen responsible for putting Nevis on the map. We look forward to many more years of gracious hospitality marketed by a group of warm and friendly Nevisians!’
Permanent Secretary, Mr Tyrone O’Flaherty shared the following sentiments - ‘The Ministry of Tourism congratulates the Nevis Tourism Authority on ten splendid years of solid performance. The NTA has stood out as a beacon during some of the toughest years for tourism in recent history. Through it all it has continued with undimmed enthusiasm in its efforts to remain true to the ideals of Nevis Tourism.’
CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Mrs Rosecita Jeffers sent this congratulatory remark to the CEO of the NTA – ‘In recognition of our close collaboration and the strong bond of friendship between our sister agencies, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you and your team at the Nevis Tourism Authority for reaching such a major milestone. I believe that you have accomplished a great deal in these short few years and wish you continued prosperity as you seek to build on the successes of these past ten years.’
A formal function will be held in early April to recognize the outstanding contributions of the hardworking NTA staff, particularly Charmin Jeffers, Angelique France, Yvette Jackman, Devon Liburd and Jacqueline Hanley, who have been with the NTA since its inception. Special recognition will also be given to Richard Lupinacci and Jeanette Grell-Hull who have served on the board of directors since 2001, as well as Helen Kidd for her pioneering efforts.
The NTA’s tenth anniversary coincides with the hosting of the TriStar Triathlon Event, the first of its kind to be held outside of Europe. The events will be held during March 27 - April 2, 2011.
