Nevis Wows British Travel Industry at World Travel Market
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Mr. Spencer Hanley talks with a British Travel Agent
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(Charlestown, Nevis- Monday, Nov. 19, 2007) Nevis was highly visible among 200 destinations that were featured at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) which took place in London, from November 12- 15, at the colossal Excel Centre.
Large crowds swarmed the Nevis booth as travel agents, travel writers and other industry partners collected brochures and gathered information from members of the Nevis delegation.
The distinguished delegation included Permanent Secretary- Mr. Tyrone O’Flaherty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nevis Tourism Authority- Ms. Helen Kidd, Ms. Julie Claxton- Officer at the Nevis Tourism Authority, Advisor to Tourism, Mr. Alistair Yearwood, Manager of the Nevis Air and Seaports Authority- Mr. Spencer Hanley, Managing Director of Oualie Beach- Mr. John Yearwood and General Manager of the Nisbett Plantation Beach Club- Mr. Glen Hurd.
While at the WTM, Mr. O’Flaherty, Ms. Kidd and Mr. Yearwood spoke to a number of media houses throughout the UK. The interviews will provide information to radio, television and print media to promote Nevis as a high-end destination. ~~Adz:Right~~
A number of seminars and workshops were attended by some members of the Nevis delegation. Attendance at these meetings gave our local participants an opportunity to discuss the ever changing trends, developments and business strategies within the industry.
Among the incentives offered to visitors of the Nevis booth, were a complimentary massage by masseuse, Ms. Sharon Gilliam of the Oualie Beach Hotel, and a chance to participate in the Explore St.Kitts/ Nevis Travel Agent Competition, which will run until July, 2008. Prizes include return flights, hotel stays, horseback riding and much more. Drawings will be done every two months, granting UK agents opportunities to explore information about the destination. Qualified agents can enter the competition by contacting Ms. Julie Claxton of the Nevis Tourist Authority at 869 469 1042.
During the WTM, the travel agents were shown appreciation by the Nevis Tourism Authority and the St.Kitts Tourism Authority. On November 14, Ms. Jacquie Bowker of Global Travel won a 7 night stay for two, compliments of Oualie Beach Resort, as well as a ride aboard the Scenic Sugar Train in St.Kitts; and on November 15, Travel agent, Ms. Tracey Roberts of Protravel Solutions won a 5 night stay for two at the Ocean Terrace Inn in St.Kitts plus an island tour of Nevis, compliments of the Queen City Taxi Association.
The Explore St.Kitts/Nevis Travel Agent Competition is a partnership between the Tourism Authorities of St.Kitts, Nevis and a variety of private stakeholders. The idea came about as an effort to create a personal experience of the two islands.
All in all, the event was a tremendous success and according to all the participates, Nevis can look forward to a positive Tourist season in 2008.
