BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 10TH 2013 (CUOPM) – The Federation’s Minister of Tourism, Sen. the Hon. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, is leading a high-powered delegation from the private and public sector of the local tourism industry to attend a series of marketing meetings in London.
The delegation includes the Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration, the Hon. Mark Brantley and 20 destination product partners, representing hoteliers, wedding planners and tour companies.
The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with British Airways and destination product representatives from both St. Kitts and Nevis.
Under the theme, ‘Know the UK, Grow the UK’, over 20 tour operators and 20 travel agents will familiarise themselves with the twin-island destination’s diverse tourism product, its varied accommodation, visitor attractions and specialist tour services at events which will focus on building relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and its UK trade partners.
“The delegation of hotel partners and destination management companies represents one of the largest private sector groups we have taken to the UK for several years, and truly reflects the increasing importance of the UK as a market for St. Kitts and Nevis. We expect that this summit will turn out to be the ideal platform to build on our existing relationships with the UK trade, secure new partnerships and develop new business,” said Minister Skerritt.
It is planned that ‘Know the UK; Grow the UK’ will progress to a follow-up FAM to St. Kitts and Nevis with the aim of the participants experiencing the island and familiarising themselves with the accommodation and visitor experience product crucial for the 2013/2014 season. The FAM, to be held in November 2013, will be a four day working visit incorporating site visits and a workshop.
The delegation includes, Alfonso O’Garro, Chairman and Carolyn James, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Greg Phillip, CEO and Julie Claxton, Sales & Marketing of the Nevis Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort and the Royal Beach Casino, Ottley’s Plantation Inn, Ocean Terrace Inn, Timothy Beach Resort, Sugar Bay Club, Kittitian Hill, Dreamy Weddings & Tours, St. James Travel & Tours, Be Caribbean; Four Seasons Resort , Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Mount Nevis Resort, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Oualie Beach Resort, The Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa and The Hermitage.