Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 31, 2016 (SKNIS): Citizens and residents were urged to show a greater appreciation for the tourism product of St. Kitts and Nevis, so much so that they would want to get more involved in the sector and educate themselves further, said Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant.
“This is our tourism industry in action and we must be proud of our islands, of our heritage and culture,” said Minister Grant. “People are at the heart of tourism in St. Kitts and [Nevis] – we must be committed to delivering exceptional service and to creating unforgettable experiences that will continue to impress our visitors so they become our ambassadors on their return home.”
Minister Grant further stated that citizens and residents have to capitalize on the many opportunities that are available in the sector.
“Fellow citizens, now is the time to educate yourself on the opportunities that are available. Now is the time to draw inspiration and encouragement from the opportunities that lie ahead, and the significant strides we have made so far, to grow our tourism sector and provide good jobs for all Kittitians and [Nevisians],” said the tourism minister during his speech to commence Tourism Awareness Month 2016, starting Tuesday, November 01, under the theme “Tourism Education: Connectivity for Sustainability”. “It is an indication of what can be achieved through the collective effort and commitment of the tourism industry, our citizens and our government coming together to create new products, to enhance the services delivered, and reach out to a wider global market and community.”
He encouraged all to obtain the necessary knowledge both in St. Kitts and Nevis and on the sector as a whole irrespective of their careers.
“Whether you benefit directly or indirectly from tourism, our hope at the Ministry of Tourism is that you will use Tourism Awareness Month 2016, to learn more about our country, to learn more about the business of tourism and the expectations of our visitors, particularly our high-end customers,” he said. “These undertakings when coupled with our understanding of the value of tourism to the development of our country would engender a spirit of determination to make the sector more vibrant, competitive and sustainable for future generations.”
It is the minister’s hope for the activities surrounding Tourism Awareness Month 2016, “to stimulate more ideas and initiatives to sustain the growth of the tourism sector.”
