BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE annual Tourism Awareness Month of activities is set to create greater awareness of tourism with a packed month of activities slated for November.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Tourism, six years ago the Tourism Awareness Month of activities was limited to one week and had taken place since then in October.
However, in speaking with Saju N’galla, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Ministry of Tourism, he informed that the celebration was moved to November to coincide with the Caribbean Tourism Organization month of activities.
“And this is so that we can share in celebration of Tourism and create greater awareness of the importance of Tourism to the Caribbean region,” he said.
The theme for this year is ‘Tourism is Key for all of us’, as the Federation has now reached a stage in development where Tourism is the driver of the economy and a crucial ingredient to continuous development as a nation and people.
According to the Tourism Minister’s release, “A simple but effective programme of activities has been created to highlight the invaluable impact of tourism on the economic, social and cultural well-being in St. Kitts & Nevis.”
Minister Skerritt went on to point out that Tourism Awareness Month also seeks to encourage residents to learn more about our own story, to travel and explore the assets of our own country and region, and to create a friendly and safe environment for all visitors.
The Marketing and Communications manager said that the activities are slated from Oct. 30-Nov. 30.
He spoke of a ‘Work Experience Programme’ which will expose the workings of the Tourism sector to high school students.
“It will allow students to go into the Tourism sector and receive firsthand experience of how important tourism is.”
On Nov. 20, the Mavado Fashion show produced by Jason Amory, under the theme ‘A Night at the Opera/Cabaret’ will be held while an amateur photography competition on Nov. 30 will be launched and is open to residents of St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to N’galla the photographs must depict what makes our Tourism product great and can even be taken with cellular phones.
“We will be expecting a lot of great photography as a lot of things around us exude the greatness of our Tourism product,” he said.
Short videos showcasing the Tourism product of St. Kitts and Nevis through the eyes of Videographer Samal Duggins help to create more awareness of Tourism and will be shown on ZIZ, Youtube and Facebook.
Other activities that will be a part of the month of activities include HTA’s Chef Competition, Island Xpressions Literary Night and Ministry of Tourism’s annual awards banquet.
The Awards Banquet is said to be part of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority’s efforts to elevate service standards in the island’s hospitality industry. It should also serve to encourage the creation of uniquely Kittitian visitor experiences and distinctive service elements that enhance St. Kitts’ competitive position in the regional and global tourism arena.
