Minister of Tourism and OAS committed to Human Development and Tourism

(ZIZ News) — The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport is spearheading a multinational project involving seven countries of the region entitled: “The Craft Enhancement and Business Planning Training Project”.

According to Permanent Secretary of Tourism Patricia Martin the project which is made possible through financial aid and technical assistance from the Organization of American States is geared toward supporting human capacity building in both the public and private sector.

“The project which is being funded by the Organization of the American States is designed to enhance human capacity within the tourism industry through the provision of extensive training opportunities to artisans in St. Kitts and Nevis. This is in light of the low purchase rates of local crafts and souvenirs, the lack of authenticity and poor quality of local craft,” she said.

OAS representative to St. Kitts and Nevis Terrence Craig says the OAS is committed to human development and tourism.

“Both tourism and human development are main pillars of the Organization of the American States. It is in this context that we encourage member states to constantly make the link between tourism and human development. As we will embark next year on the operation of a Development Cooperation Fund, it is expected that many of the Caribbean islands will identify tourism and human development as some of their priority areas,” he said.

“The Craft Enhancement and Business Planning Training Project” got underway on Tuesday with a 4-day Leather Craft Training Workshop.