Published 18 November 2022
Basseterre
Buckie Got It St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
St. Kitts Tourism Authority Celebrates Tourism Awareness Month with State of the Industry Event
Basseterre, St. Kitts (18 November 2022) – This month the St. Kitts Tourism Authority held the St. Kitts State of the Industry Event at the Park Hyatt to educate stakeholders and partners within the Tourism Industry on the present state of the industry and marketing opportunities in St. Kitts.
Royal Caribbean Group’s Regional Vice President of Government Relations for the Caribbean, Wendy A. McDonald, served as one of the esteemed panelists at the St. Kitts Tourism Awareness Month’s State of the Industry Event. She offered valuable insight on cruise guest expectations, existing opportunities for local stakeholders to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and career opportunities for nationals of St. Kitts & Nevis.
The event focused on educating stakeholders and tourism enthusiasts on the current market trends. As a cruise representative McDonald shared thoughts on the future of cruising, and career opportunities with Royal Caribbean Group. In addition, she also advocated that the destination must continue its robust plan to develop its human capital and diversify its product offerings to differentiate itself from other cruise destinations.
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, shared her excitement at having hosted Ms. McDonald on the island. “It is essential that the destination continues to nurture its relationship with our cruise partners to strengthen their confidence in St. Kitts as a cruise destination. Ms. McDonald provided a wealth of knowledge to our tourism stakeholders and aspiring young people seeking careers within the cruise sector. The education of our people is instrumental in executing our mission of building human capacity within tourism. “We are incredibly grateful to Ms. McDonald for her willingness to participate in this year’s Tourism Awareness Month and we look forward to future discussions to bring our existing plans to fruition,” said Minister Henderson.
“Hosting tourism partners is part of the Authority’s strategic plan to strengthen our relationships with our international partners and identify opportunities for the development of our people and the diversification of the destination’s tourism product. We appreciate the support of Royal Caribbean Group as we focus on creating more meaningful experiences for our guests through the creation of innovative excursions to increase the economic benefits in the industry for our citizens and residents” shared Chief Executive Officer at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Mr. Ellison “Tommy” Thompson.
“As St. Kitts & Nevis continues its efforts to improve guest experiences, we are excited to strengthen our partnership and support its growth. We remain committed to empowering the people of the destinations we visit and are thrilled to introduce Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship Celebrity Beyond to St. Kitts in December 2022” said Regional Vice President of Government Relations for Royal Caribbean Group, Wendy McDonald.
Photo Cred | St. Kitts Nevis Information Service (SKNIS)
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority also hosted an informative session at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, dubbed “Industry Talk.” This session was aimed at Hospitality and Culinary students where McDonald joined the Honourable Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism; and Mrs. Melnecia Marshall, Deputy CEO at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. The students were updated on industry trends, CARICOM Single Market and Economy opportunities, and the diverse career prospects that await them in the cruise sector.
“The tourism industry is very vulnerable but resilient. It is critical that as we rebuild the industry, we focus on educating the future generation of tourism. Their creativity and innovation will aid us in propelling the destination as we seek to encourage our guests to “Venture Deeper.” The destination is on the right trajectory as visitors seek more immersive experiences” said Mrs. Melnecia Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
The Authority is grateful for the continued support from Royal Caribbean Group and looks forward to expanding our partnerships to better position St. Kitts as a cruise destination.
