Building strong public and private sector partnerships are fundamental to securing tourism’s future says PM Douglas

Four Seasons Resort in Nevis

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JULY 14TH 2010 (CUOPM) – Although the global economic and financial conditions have resulted in substantial challenges in the tourism industry, especially in terms of hotel occupancy, visitor expenditure, investment and job sustainability, it is time for careful management of the various enterprises and resources, and reorganize and strategize for the future.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas told the cream of the local business community he strongly believes that the recovery of the world economies would bring a more discerning traveler who, among other things, wants greater value for money spent.

“That is to be expected, and it is important for us to pay attention to the establishment of quality standards in various areas of the industry, maintain and improve our authenticity as a Caribbean destination, address the issue of attitude towards tourism, improve the aesthetics of communities on the island, address environmental challenges and maximize proficiency and productivity at every level,” said Dr. Douglas in his address at the 28th Private Sector Banquet, at which Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Hon. Mark Brantley was the featured speaker.

He said there is little doubt that tourism will remain, for the foreseeable future, an essential tool for addressing poverty alleviation through opportunities for entrepreneurship.

“It provides an avenue by which many of our people could be empowered in ways that lead to improvements in their quality of life. As stakeholders in this industry, we must ensure that we employ every possible means within our resources to market our product, and we must be prepared to use some non-traditional methods to reach potential clients. Technology must play a greater role in our communications, and interactivity is critical in reaching a broad spectrum of potential travelers,” said Dr. Douglas.