Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 26, 2006): The importance of tourism and sports tourism to the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis will be highlighted on Wednesday (September 27) with a torch run as the Federation celebrates World Tourism Day.
It is the first time that a torch run has been coordinated to commemorate the local observance. Carol Clarke of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority told SKNIS that the run is significant as it highlights the growing thrust towards sports tourism.
"It is organized to raise the awareness of businesses and individuals of the sports tourism movement," she stated, highlighting that schools will also be involved to ensure the message is shared with young people.
The run, which begins at 10:00 a.m. at Baker's Corner, has two legs. The first half will be run by primary and secondary school students, public sector officials and other volunteers. The route for this leg goes east along the island main road via Cayon and concludes at the St. Kitts Bottling Company at Buckley's. The second leg begins at approximately 4:30 p.m. and concludes at the gazebo behind the Pelican Mall. There are numerous rest breaks along the island wide route for the runners most of whom will run about a mile of the designated course.
~~Adz:Left~~Members of the general public can join the run at anytime and at any point. "We are targeting everybody so that they can be aware that tourism isn't just for some people, it is for everybody & (and we expect them) to get involved and support the programmes," Clarke said.
At the end of the run, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Lloyd Lazar will address the gathering in celebration of World Tourism Day.
