BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MINISTER with responsibility for Tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Hon. Richard Skerritt said that over 400 yachts had visited the Federation during the first quarter of 2014.
Skerritt made this pronouncement during an exclusive interview with this publication at the recently-held Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Christophe Harbour multi-million dollar Marina project in the Southeast Peninsula.
He declared that the Federation is experiencing and increasing amount of yachting arrivals.
“About four years ago, we set out on a path to let the yachting world know that St. Kitts and Nevis will be more welcoming to yachts and vessels. With the help of what Christophe Harbour is doing, we have been experiencing a significant growth in the yachting sector.”
He added that his Ministry has recorded over 600 yachts arrivals for 2013 and already for the first quarter of 2014 there have been over 400 arrivals. “With the new Marina we should be expecting an increase amount.”
“We know that the trend is right that if we continue making it easier and more seamless for vessels to be welcomed and processed through the various requirements of immigration and customs, with world class facilities we can see a great improvement,” the Minister said.
Skerritt further said that over a year ago the Tourism Ministry had put together a task force consisting of the public and private sectors.
He also noted that the expenditure per person for the yachting sector is significantly high.
“And that is one of the reasons why we are going after it. Remember what we are looking for is higher revenue streams from our visitors.”
Skerritt explained that based on several studies done by persons within his Ministry, it is currently preparing a policy statement which would be made public shortly.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas on June 20 declared that the Christophe Harbour multi-million dollar Marina Project is a welcomed development for the Federation.
He was at the time speaking at the same Groundbreaking Ceremony, which is said would be completed in January 2015 an would accommodate some 24 mega-yachts.
