Tourism Authority gears up for Tourism Awareness Month
By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Lloyd Lazar, PS Ministry of Tourism
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THIS year’s Tourism Awareness Month should be bigger and better than last year’s, as we build on what was done before.
This was the hope of Lloyd Lazar, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, expressed during an exclusive interview with SKNVibes as he gave a detailed overview of the events slated for Tourism awareness Month in October.
Following the unveiling of the winning slogan for Tourism Awareness Month 2008, ‘Tourism - The time is now, the opportunity is yours’, Lazar urged the media to use the theme to boost the promotion of the events, as he anticipates an improvement in the response of the general public.
He stressed the need for this year’s events to highlight the importance of tourism to youth development in the nation.
“One of the areas that was critical was not only the interaction of all stakeholders of tourism, but also a focus on our young people. This is done to show youth the significance of the tourism sector to their general enhancement. We are targeting primarily the young people within schools and clubs, as well as adults.”
According to Lazar, the whole concept of Tourism Awareness Month is to promote the importance of tourism among citizens, paying
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Tourism Winning Slogan 2008
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particular attention to an all-inclusive approach. He added that there was an extra effort to include various stakeholders and partners, as the close involvement would reflect the partnership that is necessary for the development of the tourism sector.
The Programme for Tourism Awareness Month will begin with an island-wide run along the island’s main road. Human resource development would also be a major area of focus, as there will be training seminars and workshops for small hoteliers, tour operators, tourism security personnel, taxi drivers and a congress for the nation’s youth.
The Programme will also include the long-awaited Schools Steel Pan Competition, Chef of the Year Competition and Bartenders Competition.
Lazar explained that new events scheduled Tourism Awareness Month 2008 include a Church Service and Tourism Day of Prayer and the International Soca Awards. He expressed his pleasure in the nation being the host of the international event and expects a positive turnout. ~~Adz:Left~~
In addition to the International Soca Awards, the Permanent Secretary said some of the major highlights of the event include the launch of National Carnival 2008-2009 and the auspicious Tourism Awards Banquet.
