Increase in stayover arrivals expected to continue in 2012, says PM Douglas

Passengers in the Arrivals Hall at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 10TH 2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis is reporting a six percent increase in stayover arrivals in 2011 and this trend is expected to continue this year.

“The most recent tourism figures, for example, show an increase in stay-over visitors for 2011, up some 5.9%. And this trend is expected to continue in 2012,” said Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.

Speaking on his weekly radio programme on Tuesday, Prime Minister Douglas said when one considers the state of the world, this is very positive and those statistics must be welcomed.

“I know that some people feel that because the world economy is in tatters we, in the Federation, must disregard any positive strives made in any area of our economy because, supposedly, the world can come crashing down tomorrow. This is not the right approach. Positive outcomes are the result of very hard work on the part of many people in this country, and positive statistics should be not only acknowledged, but indeed, welcomed,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

In the area of manufacturing, Prime Minister Douglas noted that in 2009, the global crisis caused this sector in St. Kits and Nevis to shrink by almost 20%, but in 2010 it grew by 2.2%, and in 2011 it grew again by another 6.6%.

“To those who readying themselves to lament that the growth has not been large enough, I remind them that in some countries, the figures continue heading south. In St. Kitts and Nevis there has been an upswing.

“These results don’t just happen. They are the result of sound government policy, sound investment and management by owners, and dedication and proficiency from the workers. They reflect a joint effort, and this manufacturing upswing is a positive,” said Dr. Douglas.