Aug 05 A small Caribbean nation helped popularize 'citizenship by investment' - now it's counting on it to make up for lost tourism
St. Kitts and Nevis, like many of its Caribbean peers, is highly dependent on tourism revenue.
But with its borders still closed to foreigners, the small country's pioneering "citizenship by investment" program could prove even more important than it has been in the past three decades.
Usually, revenue from wealthy foreigners shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a second passport from the island accounts for 30% of the GDP gap in the government's budget, according to the CBI program head Les Khan. This year, he says, that could be much higher.
"Now that tourism is at a standstill," he said in an interview, "we expect that the CBI program will be a main driver for the next six months."
Around the world, secondary passports and alternative citizenships have been in high demand from geo-political unrest and the coronavirus, experts tell Business Insider. As more programs come online, Khan is feeling vindicated that the program he's led for three years now is being replicated so far and wide.
"Dominica, Antigua, Grenada, St. Lucia, Malta, Cyprus, Montenegro," he rattles off as examples. "You name it. All of these programs really originated from St. Kitts and Nevis."
Earlier this year, the country dropped its prices, offering a family of four passports for a $150,000 donation, down from $195,000. There are also other more expensive options to make a real-estate purchase that must be held for a set amount of years.
The discount should help keep demand steady, "but we're not in a race to the bottom," Khan said. "We're not trying to just be selling. It must be something that is solid and must be in line with our platinum brand."
It's not a brand that's been easy to build: "There is an idea that citizenship by investment is a conduit for money laundering and possibly tax evasion," says Kahn. "I can assure you that's not the case. Our due diligence is one of the strongest in the world."
But if travel restrictions - like those currently barring people from St. Kitts and Nevis, the United States, and plenty of others from countries around the world - continue, the other side of that brand could be lost, too. The next few months will decide if the country still has one of the most powerful passports in terms of visa-free entry in the region.
"We keep our fingers crossed," Khan said.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/st-kitts-and-nevis-citizenship-by-investment-thrives-amid-coronavirus-2020-8
Apr 24 St. Kitts Music Fest: First set of performers have been announced!
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ORGANISERS of the annual St. Kitts Music Festival have announced some of the artistes who will grace the stage for the 19th staging of the event from June 25-27.
Artistes such as Kerwin Du Bois, Benjai, Ricardo Drue and Patrice Roberts will perform on the opening night of the festival, which is dubbed 'the Jump Up Night', while the following night will see Reggae stars Christopher Martin and Bounty Killer.
Speaking at a press conference today (Apr.23), Music Festival Production Manager Adrian Lam, while announcing some of the artistes, indicated that the Music Festival has become a leading event in the Caribbean.
"The St. Kitts Music Festival has become one of the signature events not only in St. Kitts but the Caribbean in general. It is one of the longest running festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and of the top five in the Caribbean. It also remains one of the most affordable festivals in the region."
He stated that despite financial constraint the festival continues to put together a very good list of fine artistes.
"We still have some important contractual work with a few artistes although they have committed, so we will be announcing those who we have contracted as of today."
Lam disclosed that a social media campaign was embarked upon to ascertain which artiste the public would like to see perform at the festival.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Lindsay Grant stated that despite external challenges the festival continues to attract large followings.
"The Music Festival comes amidst the challenges of external forces such as increase in travel fares and high production and performance fees. Fortunately, the results and economic impact over the past two years have shown that the festival continues to attract followings from within the region and also from the continents."
He gave the Government's commitment to further improve the festival.
"We take immense pride in being the organisers of a world-class musical product that satisfies the musical tastes of all patrons. Our goal going forward is to continue to set higher standards of excellence and attract even larger followings celebrating an exuberant festival."
Grant also highlighted the significance of the Music Festival.
"True to its vision, the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a magnet in our tourism industry. It attracts visitors and returning nationals in the slow period. And now in its 19th year has become an integral component of our tourism product impacting positively on commercial activity and generating income which serves to stimulate the economy."
Music Festival Chairman Faron Lawrence promised that improvements would be made to this year's event.
"We will continue in the trend by making this year an improvement from last year. I am quite confident that, based on what we have in store, Music Festival will go to a next level.
"I must admit we have had some challenges this year; but I must hasten to say those are challenges we've had in the past... we have been just as late."
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/91677
Mar 20 Arrivals rising, and so are hotels on St. Kitts
Riding a wave of hotel developments, a 6.5% increase in air arrivals in 2014 over 2013 and a projected rise of 31.5% in cruise passenger arrivals, which would top 1 million this season, St. Kitts is well positioned for a "strong, solid year of growth," according to Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
The drumstick-shaped island in the eastern Caribbean and neighboring Nevis constitute one country called the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Although a recent election replaced the party that had held court for 20 years, Brown is confident that the momentum that has attracted visitors and investors in recent years will continue.
"St. Kitts is in a good place now, although we always push for more airlift," Brown said.
Ease of connectivity and access, coupled with an authentic product offering and marketing initiatives that target specific sectors, are key to the destination's growth, according to Brown.
Currently, Delta offers Saturday flights year round from Atlanta; US Airways has a weekly nonstop from Charlotte; American has a weekly nonstop from New York Kennedy and a daily flight from Miami. Seaborne Airlines has daily service to the island from San Juan.
New resort development includes Belle Mont Farm at Kittitian Hill, the first chapter of a contemporary, sustainable Caribbean community, set on 400 acres on St. Kitts' northern tip.
The first 134 rooms of the 200-room Park Hyatt at Banana Bay on the southeastern peninsula are scheduled for completion early next year.
Construction is underway on the 298-unit Koi Resort & Residences in the Frigate Bay area adjacent to the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. Opening is targeted for late this year.
Also on tap are Pelican Bay Resort, a condo/hotel mix with 210 units, two infinity pools and two restaurants, and Imperial Bay Beach & Golf Residences, adjacent to the Koi site.
"By 2017, room stock in both St. Kitts and Nevis will total 2,000 rooms, up from the 1,400 we now have," Brown said.
Christophe Harbour, the 2,500-acre luxury residential resort development on the southeastern peninsula, opened its 24-slip marina last month for megayachts, marking completion of phase one of the project.
Salt Plage, one of Christophe Harbour's two beach clubs, opened last year; it has a dock located around an old salt factory at Whitehouse Bay.
Source: http://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/Arrivals-rising-and-so-are-hotels-on-St-Kitts
Mar 05 St. Kitts Prepares to Sizzle For 2015 St. Kitts Music Festival
BASSETERRE (5th March, 2015): The St. Kitts Tourism Authority announced today that the staging of the world-renowned St. Kitts Music Festival takes place 25th to 27th June, 2015.
Minister of Tourism, Lindsay Grant, said he is excited about the 2015 edition of the Festival, which has become one of the most anticipated events in the Caribbean's calendar of events.
"The St. Kitts Music Festival has grown over the years into a unique event that showcases international music stars alongside rising local and Caribbean acts," Minister Grant said. "Promotion of the Festival has started in our various markets to encourage visitors to follow their hearts to St. Kitts, to enjoy one of the most diversified musical weekends in the Caribbean."
Minister Grant also pointed out that visitors attending the Festival can stay on to revel in the 'Biggest Party in Sport,' which is the Caribbean Premier League. With the destination being awarded the newest cricket franchise in the CPL - the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots - St. Kitts will host all six neutral games in the CPL in July.
Last year, the Warner Park Stadium became the focus of cricket fans from around the world. CPL's unique blend of entertainment saw the CPL finals played alongside a spectacular performance from Grammy award-winning American artist, Rick Ross.
The historic Warner Park Stadium is also home to the St. Kitts Music Festival, which is now in its nineteenth consecutive year. The Festival features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Rock, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music.
Past artists include John Legend, Lionel Richie, T-Pain, Tyrese, Kelly Rowland, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Damian "Jr Gong" Marley, Shaggy, Destra Garcia and Machel Montana HD.
For more information about the St. Kitts Music Festival, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com or "like" the St. Kitts Music Festival's Facebook page.
Source: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4df19efdcfabf2e93c58266d7&id=94a1857443&e=b23507c34c
Mar 02 St. Kitts & Nevis is Showcased as a Golf Destination
Basseterre, St. Kitts - (March 2, 2015) - Teams of PGA club professionals and amateur golfers along with their guests all enjoyed the lush natural beauty and warm hospitality of St. Kitts & Nevis during the Fifth Annual St. Kitts-Nevis Admiral's Cup Pro-Am Tournament, held on both islands of the Federation from February 17-21, 2015.
"The Pro-Am tournament is a premier event to help build awareness for our twin-island nation within the lucrative golf travel niche market," said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. "Considering that we have a new championship course which is on schedule to open this year, Irie Fields at Kittitian Hill, and another championship course at Christophe Harbour slated to open in 2016 on St. Kitts, it is critical that we promote our product now."
The Admiral's Cup Pro-Am is an annual golf event for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. It is a five-day team tournament in which a PGA Club Professional and three amateurs pair up to compete against other teams from golf clubs across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The 54-hole annual event was contested over the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club designed by Canadian course architect Thomas McBroom and the signature Robert Trent Jones II course at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, two of the Caribbean's most scenic and challenging courses. Rounds one and three of the tournament were played on the links-style Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, an 18-hole course featuring holes on both the Caribbean and Atlantic which is managed by Marriott Golf. Round two was played at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, featuring the par 71, 18-hole championship mountain-side course that overlooks the Caribbean Sea and St. Kitts with a spectacular beach-side finishing 18th green.
All participants, guests, and sponsors of the Admiral's Cup Pro-Am were treated to warm hospitality and great golf. While temperatures dipped into the single digits back in the U.S., attendees enjoyed relaxing in the sun at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino, host resort of the event for the 5th year in a row. Additional event sponsors included the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Cobra PUMA Golf, Carib Beer, Kantours and Brinley Gold Rum. All attendees were treated to nightly parties, on-course hospitality stations, and player gift bags filled with prizes valued at more than $400 USD. They also explored the island, going zipliningand dining out at restaurants from Carambola Beach Club to Fisherman's Wharf. After 36-holes of Team Best Ball competition, the CC of Columbus (Georgia) team led by Host PGA Professional Brian Stubbs held a one-stroke lead on the field at 121. Seven teams were within 5 shots of the lead heading into the final round's tough Two Best Ball format (1 gross + 1 net), including the Wilmington Island Club from Savannah, Georgia, the event's 2012 Team Champions. However, it was the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club #2 team, led by Amateur Louis Canise, a 2-handicap golfer who learned the game on the nearby island of St. Lucia and carded a 4-under par 67 on his own ball, pulled away from the field. As a result, Canise and his teammates Adrian Norford (Team Captain), Everton Harvey and Vernon Veira, were presented the winning Admiral's Cup by Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club Team #2 was one of three entered into the competition from the Host Club, capturing the Championship with a final score of 246. Their victory marked the first time in the event's history that one of the host teams took top honors in the annual competition. The Wilmington Island Club consisting of Host PGA Professional Patrick Richardson and amateurs Ron Wodkowski, David Schaller and Wilson Tillotson, captured runner-up honors with a team score of 259, marking the third time in four years the team placed in the event. The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club #1 team of Team Captain Anand Harridyal, Harry Harridyal, Andy Orr and David Wright took third place honors, one shot back at 260.
To learn more about the Admiral's Cup Pro-Am and golf in St. Kitts and Nevis, visit www.StKittsProAm.com. The tournament is managed exclusively by The Golf Connection LLC for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
About St. Kitts:
In conjunction with existing courses, the Irie Fields Golf Club at Kittitian Hill, designed by former Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, and the Tom Fazio designed course at Christophe Harbour, will form a spectacular quartet of world class golf courses, each of which is adjacent to luxury resorts and residential developments. In 2014, LINKS Magazine included St. Kitts & Nevis in its newly created ranking of the Top 25 Islandsin the world for golf travel and it is one of just seven Caribbean islands on the list.
In fact, the twin-island Federation has recently appeared in a number of must-visit lists and rankings. St. Kitts is currently ranked, with sister island Nevis, at #3 on a list of the Best Islands in the World, #3 on a list of the Best Caribbean Vacations, and #7 on a list of the Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations in the World, #8 on a list of Best Caribbean Honeymoons, and #8 on a list of the Best Affordable Caribbean Destinations by US News & World Report. It is also currently ranked at #7 among the Hottest Places to Travel this Winter by CNN Money based on bookings received by Virtuoso, #8 on a list of the Top 10 Best Islands for a Holiday by Places To See In Your Lifetime, #14 on a list of the 50 Travel Destinations That Will Be Huge In The Next 10 Years as well as #8 on a list of the 25 Best Caribbean Islands by Business Insider, one of the Top 12 Best Caribbean Vacations on FlipKey.com, the vacation rental company of leading travel website, TripAdvisor. St. Kitts & Nevis has also been named one of the Top 15 Emerging Travel Hotspots for 2015by The Huffington Post and has been ranked by The New York Times at #34 of the 52 Places to Go in 2015. In addition, St. Kitts received the "Innovative Destination of the Year" Award in Caribbean Journal's Caribbean Travel Awards 2014.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination's natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island's stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island's former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, and touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean. Among the more traditional vacation pastimes available are watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, dining, gaming at St. Kitts' exclusive casino or simply relaxing on a sandy beach. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.
For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.
Source:
Jul
31
Double digit increase in cruise ships and cruise
passengers to St. Kitts' Port Zante
The St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) is reporting double digit increases in cruise ship and cruise ship passengers in June this year.
SCASPA is also reporting double digit figures in cruise ship passengers and cruise ship arrivals for the first six months this year compared to the same period last year.
According to the SCASPA's Department of Finance & Statistics, there were 10 cruise ship visits in June this year compared to 7 last year, up 43 percent with a total of 28,566 passengers in June this year compared to 21,686 passengers, an increase of 32 percent or 6,880 passengers.
SCASPA figures also indicate that between January and June this year, 382,670 cruise ship passengers visited St. Kitts from 201 calls, up 18 percent compared to 327,100 passengers from 171 calls for the same period in 2013, an increase of 17 percent or 55,570 passengers.
Three Carnival ships - the Valor, Freedom and Breeze accounted for 21,045 of the 28,566 passengers who visited. 13,159 were onboard the Valor; 3,324 on the Freedom and there were 4,562 passengers on the Breeze, 4,562.
The month of June also saw the visit of Jewel of the Seas with three calls and a total of 7,446 passengers and the Freewinds with 75 passengers from 1 call.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/?p=8075
Jul 15 Over 400 yacht visited SKN during first quarter of 2014...says Skerritt
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.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/88106
Jan 16 Seaborne Airlines Makes First Flights to St Kitts, Nevis
Puerto Rico-based Seaborne Airlines made its first-ever flight to St Kitts on Wednesday.
The flight, which departed from San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, continued after St Kitts to land at Nevis' Vance Amory International Airport.
Seaborne, which announced its move to Puerto Rico last month, is operating the service with 34-seat Saab aircraft with two pilots and a flight attendant.
The flights depart San Juan at 3:25 PM and arrive in St Kitts at 4:50, before departing for Nevis at 5:10 and arriving at 5:30.
The flight departs Nevis the following morning at 7 AM, arrives in St Kitts at 7:30 AM and returns to Puerto Rico at 7:50 AM.
The carrier is in the midst of a major expansion in the Caribbean, with four more 34-seat Saabs on the way this year.
Seaborne will receive an official welcome in St Kitts next week.
Source: http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/01/16/seaborne-airlines-makes-first-flights-to-st-kitts-nevis/
Dec 04 St. Kitts Cruise Season Off To a Thrilling Start
BASSETERRE (4th December 2013): The cruise season got off to an excellent start in November with close to 80,000 passengers expected to have come ashore from 28 cruise ship visits.
Last week Thursday St. Kitts received four cruise ships calls, bringing a total of about 8,188 passengers to the island.
Port Zante buzzed with economic flurry as dispatchers directed tourists to tour and taxi operators to go sight-seeing, sea and sun bathing on the beaches, snorkeling, sailing to Nevis, horseback riding, golfing, casino gambling, shopping, biking and wide variety of other adventures.
Projections for the 2013-2014 season call for more than 700,000 guests expected from 183 ship days.
Also, 15 new cruise ships will visit during this season. One of those ships, the Carnival Conquest, visited the destination in November with 3,700 passengers.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Carolyn James, went onboard the Carnival Conquest to personally welcome the Captain, and present him with a plaque to commemorate the inaugural visit.
"The inaugural call of the Carnival Conquest is a testament to the quality of the destination's expanding infrastructure," James said. "St. Kitts can provide an authentic Caribbean experience that clearly appeals to cruise passengers."
James pointed out that St. Kitts' survival as a cruise destination depends on the ability of tourism industry to deliver value-added services to guests on a sustainable basis.
"Our guests need to feel that we want them here,” James said. “Visitors need to feel welcomed, and the needs of each guest must be respected individually if they are to give our destination a good report. And I hasten to add that our guests do not expect to be harassed or want to experience angry situations and personal abuse."
Source: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4df19efdcfabf2e93c58266d7&id=29e75c6d0b&e=b23507c34c
Oct 28 2013 MaccaX Nevis Triathlon will be staged on the Caribbean island of Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis - As the end of the 2013 multisport season draws to a close, the Nevis Tourism Authority and the St. Kitts & Nevis Triathlon Federation has officially launched the Macca X Nevis Triathlon to take place on Saturday, November 16th 2013. This follows the signing of a partnership agreement between the Federation and professional Triathlete, and multiple times Ironman World Champion, Chris 'Macca' McCormack.
The 2013 Macca X Nevis Triathlon will be staged on the Caribbean island of Nevis which has been recognized as one of the most exotic places to race and the triathlon, a must-do on the racing circuit.
The international meet is one of triathlon's premier races attracting entrants from around the globe including Australia, France, USA, Great Britain, South Africa and Brazil; as well as the Caribbean region. The completion consists of a 1.5K swim, 60K cycle event and 10K run, plus a standard sprint distance, 750m/20k/5k.
The 3 day triathlon festival will kick off with a swim event and a charity 5k run that has McCormack and the other visiting triathletes competing.
Greg Phillip, Chief Executive Officer of the Nevis Tourism Authority, said, "We are thrilled to have Chris on board. His collaboration with the Nevis Tourism Authority and the St. Kitts & Nevis Triathlon Federation will bring our event to the attention of more athletes and will increase the level of participation".
Speaking of his association with the Nevis Triathlon and the re-branding of the event as the Macca X Nevis International Triathlon Mr. McCormack said, "I am looking forward to again returning to Nevis to race. The island is magical and the 'course' presents a unique challenge in a stunningly beautiful environment. I have raced in some incredible places but Nevis is seriously spectacular. This is a beautiful and energetic race with a feeling of camaraderie among the participants and I am pleased to be now officially associated with the event".
The Nevis International Triathlon began 11 years ago as a celebration of Tourism Week on the island. Over the years, the event has been recognized internationally for the high standard of competition by triathlon publications.
In 2008 Triathlete Magazine listed it as one of its Top 5 Must-Do Races. In 2011 Triathlete Europe named it on its list of Top 20 Must-Do Races. In 2011 L'Equipe Magazine listed Nevis as one of its three most exotic locations for triathlon.
Source: http://sflcn.com/story.php?id=13135
Oct 25 St. Kitts and Nevis, one of 10 Caribbean destinations where tourist arrivals growing
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 24th 2013 (CUOPM) - The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) says St. Kitts and Nevis is one of 10 tourism destinations in the Caribbean where tourist arrivals are growing faster than the world average.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper arrivals to the Caribbean remain flat, despite 15.6 million tourists visiting the region between January and July this year.
Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Beverly Nicholson-Doty said there was no incremental difference when compared to the same period last year, but actual levels still remain above pre-crisis levels.
The CTO chairman told the media during a briefing on the final day of the State of the Industry Conference at the Madiana Palais des Congrès Convention Centre in Martinique last Friday that the findings, which were compiled by the CTO, show results from 18 destinations within the Caribbean.
She said seventeen of them recorded increases in tourist arrivals, with 10 growing faster than the world average of 5.2 per cent.
The 10 include Anguilla, Aruba, Belize, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Guyana, Haiti, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Suriname.
Jamaica was not included in this list, owing to the closure and refurbishing of several hotels.
Indications are that the best-performing sub-region is the Dutch Caribbean, which recorded a 4.6 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year, while other markets such as South America have been doing exceptionally well.
While the United States (US) remains the region's largest source market, only a marginal growth of 0.8 percent was recorded in the January to July period, revealed CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley.
Riley said about 7.8 million tourists visited the region from the United States, an indication that the market share for the US rose slightly, moving from 49.6 percent in 2012 to 50.4 percent.
In the case of the Canadian market, which was referred to as the saving grace up to two years ago, there was contraction by 1.5 percent for the same period.
Riley, pointing out that the market share fell marginally to 13.1 percent, said 2.1 million Canadians visited the region in 2013 compared to 2.2 million in 2012.
Canadians took 1.6 percent fewer outbound trips to places other than the US. Their trips to the United States increased by 4.3 percent, a shift that statisticians at the CTO warn should be noted.
Not surprising, European arrivals to the Caribbean declined by 5.1 percent so far this year, a situation many still blame on the air passenger duty imposed by the United Kingdom.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States was the region worst hit by the fall-off in European arrivals. It registered a 4.1 percent drop in arrivals from the UK, while CARICOM countries, including Jamaica, registered a 1.7 percent fall-off.
Cruise passenger arrivals to the Caribbean are also down, with 13.4 million visitors sailing into the region up to the end of July.
The State of the Industry Conference brought together decision-makers from the public and private sectors, academics, government officials, hoteliers, travel professionals, and journalists from the region and around the world. The conference ran from October 16-18.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/80658
Oct 17 Increase in Passengers Arrivals to St. Kitts
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 15th 2013 (CUOPM) - The St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) is reporting increases in passenger arrivals and departures at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts for the month of August this year compared to the same period last year.
Figures from SCASPA's Department of Finance & Statistics indicate that 11,179 passengers arrived in August 2013 compared to 10,417, an increase of 762, passengers, up 7.31 percent.
The department is also reporting a 3.86 percent increase in departures, with 12,815 passengers leaving in August this year compared to 12,363 passengers in August 2012.
American Airlines, which operates 11 flights per week from Miami International and New York's JFK International, continues to be the leading passenger carrier into St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
SCASPA disclosed that American Airlines brought in 5,421 passengers on 46 flights in August.
The second leading carrier was LIAT with 3,610 passengers from 184 flights, followed by British Airways with 809 passengers on 9 flights.
SCASPA's Department of Finance and Statistics reported that next in line was US Airways with 601 passengers from five flights.
WINAIR brought in 228 passengers from 66 flights and a Miami Air charter with 187 passengers from 1 flight.
It also reported that 421 passengers arrived aboard 96 private aircraft.
Flights into the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport increased from 439 in August last year to 585 this year, an increase of 146 in August this year, up 146 or 33.28 percent.
The number of flights out also increased from 439 in August last year to 586 in August this year, an increase of 147 or 33.56 percent.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/80251
Oct 11 A record 785,000 cruise passengers for St. Kitts in the 2013/2014 season
St. Kitts' 2013/2014 cruise ship season is going to be exciting with an estimated 785,000 passengers expected.
"What's exciting about this coming season is that we have 183 ship days. In other words, in a calendar year for the first time in our history we have passed about 130 in terms of ship days. We have gone up significantly by the number of ship days and that means that over the course of 365 days on average, every other day there will be a ship," said Minister of Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Richard "Ricky" Skerritt.
Describing the upcoming season as "phenomenal for a small island like St. Kitts," Minister Skerritt noted that during the Winter Season, there will be 103 days when there will be one ship.
"There will be 49 days when there will be two ships, that's also the largest number of days when we will have two ships in our history. There will be 22 days when we will have three ships in port, which means 2 at Port Zante and one at the Cargo Pier. There will be 6 days when we will have 4 ships and for the first time in our history, we are going to have 3 days when we are going to have 5 ships," said Skerritt.
He said even the conservative figure of 750,000 cruise passengers during the 2013/2014 Winter Season places St. Kitts "in the big league."
"Last year we were at about just 600,000, so it's a massive increase this year. Two years ago we were able to bring the Allure of the Seas which is called an Oasis-class ship as a test case and that has proven to the world, the capacity of our pier," said Minister Skerritt.
He said St. Kitts is also having more cruise ship business in the summer and that cannot be understated.
"It only began back in 2008, when for the very first time in the nation's entire cruise ship history which goes back to the early 90's, that we began to have scheduled summer calls. We never had any calls in the summer before that. Most people had to pack up their businesses by the end of April and hope for the best next year which was around October-November when the new Season starts," said Skerritt.
"That was also a part of our strategy to go out and do everything we can to bring business in the summer. That business has been steady in terms of having at least one ship. Then we went up to two and then we came back down to one last season that also took us down enormously. We have gone back up to two this summer season and next season (2014/2015) we are going to be doing even better," he disclosed.
He said there is growing justification for the construction of a second pier at Port Zante and disclosed that the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) are actively in the process and very close to starting its construction.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=3900&post200803=true
Oct 09 St. Kitts and Nevis fourth among 16 Best Islands in the World
Another accolade for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
USA News and World Report has ranked St. Kitts and Nevis in fourth place among the 16 Best Islands in the World and the only Caribbean nation in the top five. Six of the 16 are in the Caribbean.
No.1 is Santorini; 2. Bora Bora; 3. Maldives; 4. St. Kitts and Nevis; 5. Fiji; 6. Maui; 7. Cayman Islands; 8. St. Maarten - St. Martin; 9. Seychelles; 10. Bali; 11. Mykonos; 12. Kauai; 13. Anguiila; 14. Galapagos; 15. United States Virgin Islands and 16. Dominica.
St. Kitts and Nevis is also ranked #2 in the Best Places to visit in the Caribbean; #5 in Best Affordable Caribbean Destination and #7 in Best Caribbean Honeymoon.
Out of 21 Caribbean countries, the overall visit ranking for St. Kitts is #2 in 2012.
St. Kitts is #5 for likeliness of coming back to the island. In the category of Visit Met Expectations, St. Kitts placed 2nd.
The Taxi's and the Local Transportation is 2nd among the 21 Caribbean destinations.
Last year, St. Kitts was named one of "5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now" by MSNBC. It was also named one of the "Top 12 Spots that should be on your list to visit in 2012" by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and the island's Brimstone Hill Fortress was one of "10 Great Places To Explore The World's Best-Kept Secrets" by USA Today.
In 2011, St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways.
An international survey carried out by the United States company, Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) based on feedback from visitors about their experience to the 21 cruise destinations, found St. Kitts improved its ranking in the overall visit, meeting expectations, taxi/local transportation, historic sites and museums and tour satisfaction categories.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=3970&post200803=true
Oct 07 FIFA world cup trophy tour to stop in St. Kitts
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The summer of 2014 promises to be exciting with the commencement of the FIFA World Cup football tournament. Even though St. Kitts and Nevis did not qualify for the competition, the World Cup trophy will make its stop in the Federation on October 19th from 8:00am to 11:45am. The World Cup tour comes courtesy of Coca-Cola and is part of a nine month global tour covering 88 countries. On October 19th, the St. Kitts Bottling Company, distributors of Coca Cola will be hosting a host of activities and entertainment at the RLB International Airport to kickstart the FIFA World Cup fever in St. Kitts and Nevis. During the airport arrival ceremony, the Governor General, Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Sports and Minister of Tourism along with specially invited members of the media will be invited on board the specially chartered aircraft for a first look of the onboard media center.
This is followed by a press conference at the VIP lounge of the airport. After the festival, several other activities including Football Festival hosted by the St. Kitts Nevis Football Association and an evening gala event at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort will be held. The FIFA World Cup tournament will be held in Brazil from June 12 to July 13 2014.
Source: http://www.winnfm.com/news/local/5791-fifa-world-cup-trophy-tour-to-stop-in-st-kitts
Sep 12 St Kitts Airport Readying Expansion of Arrivals Terminal
The arrival hall at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St Kitts is set to begin this month, according to Jonathan Bass, CEO of the St Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority.
The airport has already embarked on a project to improve the temperature control system and to replace underground electrical cables. Both of those projects are set for completion by the middle of this month.
St Kitts' airport is also in the midst of construction on a 750-kilowatt solar farm, supported by the Taiwanese government.
The arrival hall will increase by 1,600 square feet, with room for an additional 200 passengers. There will also be four additional positions for immigration officers at the terminal.
"This project should be completed by the end of October just before the peak season begins," Bass said, adding that the expansion was part of a wider effort to modernize the terminal.
Source: http://www.caribjournal.com/2013/09/10/st-kitts-airport-readying-expansion-of-arrivals-terminal/
Aug 08 American Airlines Expands Service to St. Kitts
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority today announces that American Airlines will add two more non-stop flights to St. Kitts from Miami and change the schedule for its non-stop flights to St. Kitts from New York JFK beginning Nov. 21, 2013, ideally timed for the peak winter travel season.
The two additional American flights from Miami will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays and will complement the Friday and Sunday flights from Miami that were added in November 2012. This expands American's Miami service to 11 flights weekly, including twice daily service for four days per week from Thursday through Sunday.
From JFK, the flights are now scheduled to depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays and overnight on St. Kitts to return the following days (Thursdays and Sundays). The timing of the JFK flight southbound also changes to an afternoon departure from JFK with a morning departure northbound the next day, allowing for a greater number of connections in New York.
"I am pleased that American Airlines continues to demonstrate confidence in the strength of the St. Kitts & Nevis tourism industry," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. "The addition of two more flights from Miami is indicative of increasing demand for our tourism product. Further, the schedule shift for the JFK flight to a later departure time creates a significant increase in the number of available connections to our destination from the U.S. and other international gateways."
"Whether it's for world-class beaches or breathtaking landscapes, we are pleased to give visitors from around the world greater access to St. Kitts with American's increased service," said Art Torno, American's Vice President for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. "With this new schedule, customers can enjoy even more convenient connections to the island from either New York JFK or Miami."
With the new flights, the southbound American flight AA1741 will depart Miami International Airport (MIA) at 4:45 p.m. and arrive at St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) at 8:35 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday. The northbound return flight AA1746 will depart St. Kitts at 8:40 a.m. and arrive at MIA at 11 a.m. every Friday through Monday.
The southbound American flight AA2051 will depart New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 4:30 p.m. and arrive into St. Kitts at 9:40 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. The northbound return flight AA2052 will depart St. Kitts at 9:40 a.m. and arrive at JFK at 1:25 p.m. every Thursday and Sunday. American now uses a Boeing 737-800 aircraft for all flights into St. Kitts. These two additional daily flights continue a series of service increases to St. Kitts by American Airlines over the past eight years.
American first started its Miami service to St. Kitts in December 2004 with three flights weekly, which grew to five flights weekly in 2006 and to daily flights in 2008. The Miami service increased to nine flights per week last year and just one year later, with these two additional Miami flights, to 11 flights per week. American has operated twice weekly service from JFK to St. Kitts since November 2007.
About St. Kitts:
St. Kitts is currently ranked at #2 in a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations and #4 in a list of the 12 Best Islands in the World by US News & World Report. Last year, St. Kitts was named one of "5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now" by MSNBC. It was also named one of the "Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012" by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and the island's Brimstone Hill Fortress was named one of "10 Great Places To Explore The World's Best-Kept Secrets" by USA Today. St. Kitts was also named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination's natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island's stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the region's only scenic railway which connects the island's former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, ziplining, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts' exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island's sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.
For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/77278
May 21 MOU Signed For Construction Of New $US 31 Million Cruise Pier
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based construction firm Jay Cashman Inc to construct a second cruise pier at Port Zante valued at US$31 million. Jay Cashman Inc. will invest the total cost of the project with no input from SCASPA. Both entities will share the revenue from this development for 30 years while SCASPA manages the facility. After 30 years, the full ownership the pier will be transferred to SCASPA. CEO of SCASPA, Jonathan Bass, speaking at a press conference Friday at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort for the signing of the MOU, said the project will be carried out in a public private sector joint venture arrangement. The second pier will be able to berth Oasis Class Vessels next to each other. Construction is expected to start in September this year and end on November 2014. "SCASPA will continue to operate the cruise facility; however both parties will work collaboratively to jointly market the destination to cruise lines," disclosed Mr. Bass. "The signing of this MOU is indeed a timely response to the challenges that SCASPA is facing with respect to berthing facilities. The unprecedented growth in the cruise tourism sub-sector that St. Kitts has experienced over the past six years has placed tremendous pressure on our berthing infrastructure particularly on those days when more than three large vessels request berthing," the SCASPA CEO added.
CRUISE TOURISM PROGRESS
David Vigiano, Vice President of Business Development of Jay Cashman Inc. said St. Kitts and Nevis was chosen because of the progress the country has made in cruise tourism over the years. "We look at a lot of different projects and a lot of different islands and I think what has really impressed me about St. Kitts is number one: it's growth that's happened over the last five or six years, which is not an accident by the way. It's due to the hard work of both the public sector," he said.
Mr. Vigiano explained some details of the construction. "The specific location we finalize when engineering is complete but largely it's going to be just to the west of the current pier at a 45-degree angle. As we go through the following months we're going to be undertaking a lot of engineering for the new pier as well as consulting with all of the major cruise lines on the ships' requirements to ensure that they can berth safely at the pier."
PARTNERSHIP
Meanwhile, Jay Cashman Chairman of the Board of Jay Cashman INC, spoke about his company's experience in public private partnership projects around the world and the resolve to pursue this initiative in St. Kitts and Nevis. "We have been contractors for 40 years and built many piers and many different structures and tunnels and dredging and so forth and the last 10 years there have been a very popular model. Basically contractors come and invest into the projects - they not only build them, they invest in them," Cashman explained. "The contractors who are also investing in the project will have a greater eye towards quality; he's not only going to be building it (the pier) and turning it over to an owner but he's building it knowing that he has to maintain it and be there for thirty years. The success of St. Kitts will also be my success. So we have a partnership where everybody needs to work together in order to create a product that's going to drive the economy here in Tourism for St. Kitts," he added. Minister of Tourism and International Transport Richard Skerritt lauded the public private partnership between SCASPA and Jay Cashman Inc, and disclosed that the project will involve the enhancement of the ferry terminal and the Amino Craft Market. "One of which is to completely redo the Amina Craft Market. We have to give all retailers the best possible opportunity and all service providers, the best possible opportunity to serve the needs of their customers."
The minister also noted that whole transportation system will also be looked at to better accommodate the presold tours and VIP customers. "We expanded the taxi cadre from about 130 taxi operators six years ago to over 400 taxi operators now. We have still over 200 persons on a waiting list. Every day we get people wanting to be taxi operators and we've had to freeze the process over the last year," he disclosed. "This project and the prospects for the next season and beyond make it possible to now for us to unfreeze that process and I would say categorically that sometime by the end of third quarter in this year, you will see that process being unfrozen."
The minister assured that through the marketing efforts of both the investors and SCASPA and the second pier accommodating bigger cruise vessels, the island will be able to attract more cruise ships and passengers.
Source: http://www.winnfm.com/news/local/4166-mou-signed-for-construction-of-new-us-31-million-new-cruise-pier
Apr 26 American Airlines maintains leading carrier status into Robert Bradshaw Airport
American Airlines continues to be the leading passenger carrier into St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
The St. Christopher and Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), which reported a total of 12,874 passenger arrivals in March, disclosed that American Airlines brought in 6,243 passengers on 50 flights, while its commuter carrier brought in 705 from 28 flights, a total of 6,945 passengers from 78 flights.
The second leading carrier was LIAT with 2,384 passengers from 185 flights, followed by British Airways with 900 passengers on 9 flights.
SCASPA's Department of Finance and Statistics reported that next in line was Delta Air with 842 passengers from five flights; US Airways, 664 passengers from five flights; Air Canada, 586 passengers from five flights and Miami Air charter, 171 passengers from 2 flights. WINAIR brought in 108 passengers from 50 flights, Trans Anguilla, 44 passengers from 14 flights and Air Anguilla, 12 passengers from 7 flights.
SCAPA reported a 16 percent increase in passengers arrivals in March, an 11 percent increase in flights inward and outward bound flights into the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=3687&post200803=true
Feb 21 St. Kitts Ranked among the Highest Cruise Destinations in Caribbean
Basseterre, St. Kitts (February 19, 2013) - Demonstrating the economic impact of the growth of St. Kitts' cruise tourism sector, a recent study conducted by US-based research firm BREA (Business Research & Economic Advisors) reports significant increases in cruise tourism expenditures and passenger satisfaction, placing the island among the highest-rated destinations in the entire Caribbean in these categories for the 2011/2012 cruise year. The study also reveals growth in cruise passenger arrivals to St. Kitts of more than 400% over the past six years.
The most dramatic increases over the six-year period were in direct cruise tourism spending, which increased nearly ten-fold from $6.7 million to $70.6 million over the six-year period. Average per passenger expenditures in St. Kitts have almost doubled since 2006, while average expenditures across the Caribbean have actually declined by 2%. Average per passenger spend in St. Kitts was measured at $57.40 in the 2006/2006 cruise year, 40% below the Caribbean average, but increased to $108.90 in the 2011/2012 cruise year, 14% above the Caribbean average.
"St. Kitts' recent outstanding performance in the cruise sector is directly attributable to several initiatives undertaken by Government following the decision to end sugar production in 2005," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. "The improvements in downtown Basseterre, the development of shops, restaurants and key attractions, and the increasing the number of certified taxi and tour operators in anticipation of demand growth, have clearly had a very positive impact on the experience that St. Kitts offers to visitors." The Tourism Minister also pointed to the role of the St. Christopher Tourism Authority Prescribed Areas Act which he said, "ushered in the establishment of a greater focus on standards, which were integral to the phenomenal success achieved by St. Kitts in a relatively short time."
The percentage of passengers reporting that they there were extremely or very satisfied with their overall St. Kitts shopping experience was 74% in the 2011/2012 cruise year as compared to just 47% in the 2005/2006 cruise year. For the 2011/2012 cruise year, results of the study show that St. Kitts ranks #2 in the Caribbean in passenger satisfaction with their overall visit and #2 in passengers reporting that their visit to St. Kitts met or exceeded their expectations. The destination also ranked at #3 in the Caribbean in passenger satisfaction with their shore excursion, at #4 in average expenditure per passenger and at #6 in total cruise passenger expenditures.
Concurrently, BREA reports substantial growth in cruise passenger arrivals to St. Kitts, which increased from 117,000 in the 2005/2006 cruise year to 629,000 in the 2011/2012 cruise year, an increase of more than 400% as compared to an increase of 13% throughout the Caribbean over the six-year period.
The BREA study was conducted under the auspices of the FCCA (Florida Caribbean Cruise Association) to analyze the contribution of cruise tourism on the economies of 21 destinations located in the Caribbean and Central and South America including Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; the Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; the British Virgin Islands; the Cayman Islands; Columbia; Costa Rica; Curacao; Dominica; The Dominican Republic; Grenada; Honduras; Nicaragua; San Juan, PR; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Maarten; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; The Turks and Caicos; the US Virgin Islands.
Source: http://eepurl.com/vEn_5
Jan 12 Air Canada resumes scheduled seasonal service to St. Kitts from Toronto
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 9th, 2013 (CUOPM) - Air Canada has begun its second scheduled seasonal service into St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
The weekly service started in 2012 for the peak winter 2011/2012 travel season which ends in April 2013.
The non-stop flight will operate from Toronto on Fridays and is the twin-island Federation's only non-stop commercial flight from Canada, effectively making St. Kitts and its sister island, Nevis, a more viable winter destination choice for travelers from this key North American market.
Air Canada flight AC1778 arrives at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport at 4:15 p.m. every Friday with the same-day return flight AC1779 leaving for Toronto at 5:15 p.m.
Air Canada uses an Airbus 319 aircraft with 108 Economy Class seats and 12 Business Class seats for this flight.
The Air Canada Vacations is very significant for St. Kitts and Nevis as Canada has always been a valuable source market for visitors and investors as well as home to a large contingent of nationals in that North American country.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/68186
Jan 08 St. Kitts Experiences Growth in Luxury Tourism Sector
Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 8th, 2013 - St. Kitts has been experiencing an increase in yacht and private/corporate jet arrivals in accordance with the Government's strategic decision to target a more discerning destination traveler.
In 2006, the St. Kitts & Nevis Government borrowed over US $15 Million in order to quadruple the size of the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport parking apron and construct a new taxi-way to facilitate the growing demand at that time from scheduled airlines as well as private/corporate jets. In 2010, the yachting and tendering facilities at the Government-owned Port Zante Marina were also upgraded to meet the demands of more affluent visitors, including hotel guests traveling between the sister island of Nevis and the RLB Airport in St. Kitts.
Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport said, "We are still struggling to recover from the global economic crisis which was a real shock to our tourism industry, but it is clear that St. Kitts has been reaping dividends from our Government's decision to invest so heavily in air and sea port facilities. The recent accelerated growth in business from these two particular niche markets is clear evidence that we made the right decisions at the right time."
According to the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), yacht arrivals rose from a total of 285 calls in 2011 to a total of 485 calls in 2012, an increase of 70% over the one year period. The average tonnage size of visiting yachts has also increased. As demonstrated over this past Christmas and New Year's period, corporate jet arrivals to St. Kitts have also been on the rise - from a low of 186 arrivals in 2009, the year following the US financial crisis, to an average of 393 corporate jet arrivals per year for the three year period 2010 to 2012.
A total of 1,336 private planes, including corporate jets, landed at RLB Airport in 2012 - up from a 1,188 in 2009. According to the most recent 2012 St. Kitts Tourism Authority RLB airport exit survey of passengers on scheduled airlines only, more than half of St. Kitts' stop-over visitors (53%) earn above US $100,000 per year. The average daily per person spend among this more affluent segment is $275 per day as compared to $165 per day for those making less than $100,000.
The growth in arrivals at St. Kitts of private jets and yachts are concurrent with the construction progress being made on the multi-million dollar Christophe Harbour Marina and the new private jet terminal at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. The latter is in the final stages of building out with a projected opening for May, 2013. In addition, plans are being developed for further development of the Port Zante marina, as well as for the modernization of yacht entry and clearance administration.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/68085
Jan 05 St. Kitts ranks among the Best with Top Media
Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 4th, 2013 - 2012 was a banner year for St. Kitts in the travel press with a number of top publications, including US News and World Report, MSNBC, About.com and USA Today, singling out the island as among the best places to visit.
The most recent accolade, on December 27, went to St. Kitts' popular Mr. X's Shiggidy Shack, named as one of the 20 Great Caribbean Beach Bars by About.com, which had also included Cockleshell Beach in a list of the Top 20 Beaches in the Caribbean earlier in the year.
"More and more respected media outlets are recognizing St. Kitts as our tourism product develops," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism and International Transport. "These publications are read by affluent, discerning travelers, who have the discretionary income to spend on our islands to the benefit of our local people. The six-year story of the acceleration of our tourism development since the closure of our sugar industry is a remarkable one that is being discovered by more and more quality media concerns.
In 2006, our Government created a multi-tiered strategic plan aimed to stimulate investment in our tourism infrastructure and a shift to a more targeted visitor. Simultaneously, we began aggressively marketing our destination and focusing on improving our standards and empowering our people in order to reap the maximum benefits from the sector."
St. Kitts is currently ranked at #2 in a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations and #4 in a list of the 12 Best Islands in the World by US News and World Report. Just last month, St. Kitts was named one of the Top 10 Winter Sun Holiday Destinations by PureTravel.com and in November it rated among the Editor's Picks for 2012-2013: Best of the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel and Leisure.
In February, St. Kitts was dubbed one of the 10 Caribbean Islands You Shouldn't Miss - The Best of the Caribbean in 2012" by SmarterTravel.com as well as one of 5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now by MSNBC (as syndicated from a December 2011/January 2012 article in Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine. The island was also designated as one of the Top 12 Spots that Should Be On Your List for 2012 by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine.
In addition, many of the island's tourism attractions were selected as hot spots to experience in 2012. In January, the island's Brimstone Hill Fortress was cited as one of 10 Great Places To Explore The World's Best-Kept Secrets by USA Today while Cruise-Addicts.com called Port Zante one of "10 Great Caribbean Cruise Ports.
The combined readership for the above designations alone is more than 1 billion, effectively promoting St. Kitts as a premiere vacation destination.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/67924
Nov 01 St. Kitts & Nevis greenhouse will be largest in Taiwan's 23 ally countries
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 1ST 2012 (CUOPM) - A 16,000 square feet green house under construction at the Agro-Tourism Farm at Sir Gilles, will be largest green house in Taiwan's 23 diplomatic ally countries around the world.
This was pointed out by Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Miguel Tsao, during a site visit by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
The building when completed will consist of 1,600 pieces of glass weighing 24 tons and secured by 12,000 screws.
Ambassador Tsao noted that the entire structure remained unscathed after the passage of the recent tropical storm Rafael.
"That is a living proof that the foundation of the building is solid and strong like our friendship as well. The tempered glasses which require very skillful and sophisticated work will be put in place shortly. I do believe with our joint and painstaking effort, we will finish up in November," said the Taiwan diplomat.
He pointed out that with the completion of the first phase, work will begin on the visitor's center, tea house and the main gate as our 2nd phase job.
"We will keep in touch with renowned Taiwan Overseas Construction Company to embark on the 2nd phase and also to hire local constructors and workers from the Federation. So we can be able to wrap up the 2nd phase before the next hurricane season starts," said Ambassador Tsao.
He also disclosed that the 2nd phase of the street solar lights from Sandy Point to St. Paul's and along with Newtown Ground Touristic Farm is going to start from November.
"I harbour the hope that we can see the light up of the solar street light in this area in the Christmas Season," said Ambassador Tsao, who expressed his appreciation to the committee led by Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Prime Minister Douglas.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=3367&post200803=true
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