A new push in 2016

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

The tourism sector in St Kitts and Nevis is poised to receive a “Fresh Start” in 2016, according to Prime Minister Timothy Harris.

“As part of our Fresh Start Agenda, my Team Unity Government will work to implement dynamic and innovative projects and programs to raise the standard and quality of the Tourism Sector,” Harris said in his Budget Address for the fiscal year 2016.

Harris added that the government has realized that in order to optimize benefits from the sector, it is imperative to attract a significant number of “high-end” visitors, while ensuring that these efforts are concentrated on developing a product.

“Stay-over arrivals from our major source markets – cruise ship passengers and related calls – and our yachting sector all show positive out turns for the year so far,” he said. “Carefully developed niche marketing programs have begun to yield positive returns.”

Harris also announced that the government has endorsed a partnership between the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Tourism to launch a Tourism Education Program.

“The Program will be rolled out in January 2016 as a pilot program in Basseterre High School and two primary schools which will be selected after further consultation with the Ministry of Education,” he said.

Another issue the government is taking action to address is the challenges with erosion at Frigate Bay and South Friars Bay Beach.