PM announces incentive package for small hoteliers
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter- SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Right~~ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LAST night (Oct. 1) marked the official opening of this year’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Small Hotels Retreat which was held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.
Some 200 persons were treated to speeches, colourful local entertainment and the announcement of a programme specifically intended for small hoteliers.
Presentations were made by the Minister of State responsible for Tourism, Hon. Ricky Skerritt; President of the CHTA, Enrique DeMarchena Kaluche; and the Federation’s leader, Prime Minister, Hon. Denzil Douglas.
Skerritt highlighted the importance of remaining positive about the current global economic situation, as tourism is both a resilient and dynamic industry.
“The 2003 opening of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino was a pivotal moment in the development of the Federation’s tourism product, indicating the nation’s move toward targeting a more high-end clientele was indeed the right decision.”
The biggest news of the night was made by the Prime Minister who announced that an incentive package designed for small hoteliers was ‘in the works’ and would be passed by Cabinet shortly.
“This package will allow for small hoteliers to receive much-needed concessions, based on the quality of their development in areas including customer service, the utilisation of efficient equipment and energy, the use of local products in their operations and their collaboration with the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.”
According to Douglas, this move could not have come at a better time in light of the current US economic crisis.
“This incentive package will provide relief at a challenging time for the nation’s small hoteliers. I hope this act will eliminate the misconception that the government is only supportive of the larger hotel chains. This is our way of helping to the young entrepreneurs who are eyeing the tourism industry as a possible career choice.”
DeMarchena was in full support of the package adding, “Small hoteliers do not have the resources in many critical areas including marketing, training and technology.
“The aim of the Small Hotels Retreat is to assist them in these deficiencies, and the Prime Minister’s incentive proposal is another great way to do so.”
