Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 22, 2021 (SKNIS): The global tourism industry is beginning to pick back up as more and more persons take a jab against the COVID-19.
Tourism officials in St. Kitts and Nevis are working tirelessly to boost stay-over visitors with emphasis placed on offering an authentic Kittitian experience. One suggestion that has been embraced by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris is having local food featured on the menu of hotels in the Federation.
The idea was proposed during the April 21 edition of Leadership Matters.
“There is no reason why you can’t have a local dish at least once per week as part of the menu. I think this is where we need to go. You must always find something local on every menu in every hotel in St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Harris stated.
The prime minister singled out Park Hyatt St. Kitts for being “tremendously helpful” to local producers, particularly fisher folk. The hotel features fresh local fish at Fisherman’s Village.
“I know a number of our local fisherfolk that bring produce to the Park Hyatt and I know that at the … ownership level of the hotel, they have a passion for supporting locals. I think we need to get every hotel into that mode,” said Prime Minister Harris.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ron Dublin-Collins, also commended Rams Supermarket for supporting local fishers. He noted that an arrangement exists between crop farmers and several hotels that facilitates the purchasing of local produce.
The demand for local produce by hotels has decreased significantly as tourist arrivals have dropped drastically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The permanent secretary said he expects the arrangement to blossom again as global tourism rebounds.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 24, 2021) – – The efforts of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to launch a film industry on Nevis continues to pay dividends as MSR Media has announced April 15, 2021 as the start date to begin filming a second successive movie on the island.
Premier Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Investment in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) welcomed the news.
“I am excited that MSR Media has completed its first film here on Nevis and is due to start its second film shortly. This is consistent with the commitment made by MSR Media to my government as we work together to diversify the Nevis economy and create a film industry for the island of Nevis and the wider Federation,” he said during an interview with the Department of Information on March 24, 2021.
Mr. Brantley, who is the Minister of Finance in the NIA, highlighted the economic boost to St. Kitts and Nevis and the transfer of skills for locals resulting from the government’s partnership with MR Media.
“I am also delighted that scenes for this movie will be shot on our sister island of St. Kitts so that our brothers and sisters on St Kitts can be a part of this incredible new industry, and witness first-hand the benefits to be derived from the film industry.
“This is a manifestation of the vision of this CCM-led government and I am delighted to spearhead this effort as Premier of our beloved Nevis,” he said.
According to Mr. Philippe Martinez, MSR Media producer and director, the UK-based company is wrapping up filming “One Year Off”, on Friday, March 26, 2021.
“This movie finishes on Friday and on April 15 we are starting to produce a new movie with Tom Paton.
“He is going to direct the movie “Assailant” which is a thriller,” he revealed at a media briefing on March 21, 2021.
Mr. Martinez told the Department of Information he is eager for cameras to roll on the second movie the company is filming on Nevis.
“I am very excited about “Assailant”, MSR Media’s next production.
“Tom Paton is a young, talented British director who has created a very suspenseful thriller, taking advantage of all of the natural cinematic beauty of Nevis,” he said.
As part of the NIA’s progressive agenda to diversify the Nevis economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government entered into a partnership with MSR Media in January 2021 for an initial two-movie production deal.
Soon after the cast and crew of the comedy “One Year Off” began filming on the island, Mr. Martinez announced that MSR Media would be filming a total of six movies on Nevis over the next year.
“So our plan is to make six movies. Actually I believe it has already been discussed with the government [NIA]…
“We only have one real problem, which is very challenging for a producer, the actors don’t want to leave [Nevis]; they want to stay here.
“We love it here, and that’s because you have made us feel very welcome,” he said.
“One Year Off”, the first movie to be produced entirely on Nevis was filmed at various locations on the island including Chrishi Beach Club, Golden Rock Inn, and the world renowned Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill on Pinneys Beach.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 24, 2021 (SKNIS): Officials in the Ministry of Entertainment and Talent Development are making connections with film producers currently in St. Kitts and Nevis in a bid to further develop the local film industry.
Minister responsible for Entertainment and Talent Development, the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, credited personnel within the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for assisting the interaction between officials from the government, MSR Productions, and producers from the reality show “Below Deck.”
Below Deck is being filmed at Park Hyatt in St. Kitts, while MSR Productions is filming a movie titled “One Year Off” in Nevis.
“The feedback so has been very good, and we are looking forward to furthering discussions with them as we try to develop that industry here in St. Kitts and Nevis …,” Minister Byron-Nisbett said at the Prime Minister’s Monthly Press Conference on March 23, 2021.
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris stated that in addition to producing “One Year Off,” the principal of MSR Productions has “promised to deliver” six more movies this year.
Dr. Harris expressed that the production of additional films augurs well for the development of the local film and creative arts industry. It will also assist with added visibility for the twin-island Federation, which is expected to produce additional tourism-related opportunities.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 17th, 2021 (ZIZ News) Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Timothy Harris says while tourism and other sectors have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic there has been some good news for the economy in recent weeks.
During his presentation on Tuesday night’s edition of Leadership Matters the Prime Minister pointed out that the federation has found a new niche for film tourism
“The Below Deck movie is being shot in St Kitts and brought significant guests to the Park Hyatt – the Federation’s host hotel. Equally important for our Federation are the movies being produced by MSR on the island of Nevis and St Kitts. Some 6 movies will be run by MSR in our Federation boosting favourable acclaim about St Kitts and Nevis.”
He said the federation also remains a sought after location for hotel development.
“Interest in our Country as a premier hotel destination continues. Trinity Sunset Hotel, Sea View Hotel, Hillsborough Suites all continue to work towards completion this year”
He also noted that so far 649 Ross University students have come to St Kitts bringing incomes for landlords, car rental agencies, our restaurants and places of entertainment, thereby contributing to the national economy.
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 18th, 2021 (ZIZ News) St. Kitts is launching the #RetieTheKnot photo contest inviting couples in the United States, to submit their favorite wedding picture for a chance to win a trip for 2 to the island of St. Kitts, and a stay at the Park Hyatt.
Through March 14, 2021, anyone who would like to enter the contest should select their favorite wedding photo and submit it through the dedicated entry page found on the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website at www.stkittstourism.kn/retie-the-knot along with a 75-word description that tells the story behind the image.
A panel of judges will select 5 finalists. Their photos will be shared to the website and voted upon by the general public.
The voting period will run from March 17th through March 31st and the winner will be announced by April 30, 2021.
The winner will receive a trip for 2 to St. Kitts in November with a 4-night stay at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts. As part of the trip, the couple will be invited to participate in St. Kitts’ first ever Group Vow Renewal designed by the world-renowned wedding planners at Dreamy Weddings.
Those who cast their vote will be asked to submit their email and will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win 1 of 10 prize packs. Themed prize packs will include authentic products from St. Kitts.
The contest is open to legal residents of the U.S., including D.C. who are 18 years of age or older and are currently married.
Travelers can check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (www.stkittstourism.kn) website for updates and information on current travel requirements.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 31st , 2020 (ZIZ News):
St. Kitts and Nevis reopened its borders to international travellers on Saturday October 31 2020 after a 7 month closure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, the Federation will observe a phased reopening with specific entry and travel requirements to be observed by visitors. The travel requirements outlined here are for Phase 1 which will designate visitors into three categories: Travelers from the CARICOM Member States that are part of the “Caribbean bubble”, International travelers outside the “Caribbean bubble” and Returning Nationals/Residents.
Travelers from within the “Caribbean bubble” include those traveling from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia & St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Travelers from the “Caribbean Bubble” can stay at private homes, condos, villas or “Travel Approved” certified hotel properties including Hermitage Inn, Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa, Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Golden Rock Inn, Sugar Bay Club and Timothy Beach Resort.
International travellers include persons coming from outside of the “Caribbean bubble” including the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa and South America. These travelers must complete the Travel Authorization Form on the website, www.knatravelform.kn and submit a negative PCR test completed within 72-hours of travel from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory; undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire; Download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less.
Approved hotels for international travelers are Four Seasons, Koi Resort by Curio, Hilton
Marriott Vacation Beach Club, Paradise Beach Nevis, Park Hyatt, Royal St. Kitts Hotel and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
All residents and visitors alike are asked to follow basic health and safety protocols of frequent handwashing and or sanitizing, maintaining the required social and physical distancing as well as mandatory mask wearing during this time.
St. Kitts is expected to receive its first commercial flight on November 7th. This flight will be an American airlines flight from Miami.
On March 25, 2020, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis closed the borders to all commercial airline flights to protect citizens and residents against the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 14, 2020 (RSCNPF): National Disaster Coordinator, Abdias Samuel, educated the Island Constables on how their roles have evolved as a result of the changes to be put in place in preparation for the opening of the borders. He spoke to them during a session he facilitated on Tuesday, October 13 as part of a 2-week refresher course currently taking place at the Police Training School.
Mr. Samuel told the Island Constables about the new processes that will be rolled out at the RLB International Airport for persons arriving in the Federation and the “corridor of containment” which monitors the flow of people from the port of entry to where they will be staying for their vacation. It was designed to aid in contact tracing and controlling the movement of the persons arriving on island. He explained that travellers to the Federation will have to complete an online entry form and wait for permission from the Ministry of National Security. Mr. Samuel disclosed that upon arrival, persons will go through an extensive screening process and possible testing before they are allowed to leave the airport to be transported by COVID-19-certified taxis to approved hotels or quarantine sites on the island.
He also went through the quarantine sites and the four hotels (Marriott, Park Hyatt, Four Seasons and Koi Resort) that will be opening to visitors. He said that persons coming to the island from high risk countries will vacation-in-place at these hotels and will be offered limited excursion packages.
He urged the Island Constables to be on their guard and to safeguard themselves from possible exposure. He said “when they go to these places, we need vigilance [with] these persons so they don’t do anything to compromise or jeopardize our status. This is where the compliance comes in, so you need to be the eyes and ears for us to be able to see these individuals.”
“If we do not do our part and St. Kitts-Nevis starts to see a big outbreak, then we are going back into lock down,” said the National COVID-19 Task Force Chair, who went on to note that space and time are the Federation’s best weapons in the fight against the pandemic.
As the country prepares for the reopening of the borders, the role of these officers will be vital in ensuring that persons act in accordance with the regulations that are in place.
]]>BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 07, 2020 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – In a build up to the reopening of the borders to international travelers from October 31, 2020, hotel operators on St. Kitts and on Nevis have been putting the necessary physical and other adjustments in place way in advance that will allow for the safe return of guests to their respective establishments.
The hotel and hospitality sub-sectors in St. Kitts and Nevis were two of the sectors worst hit as a result of the economic fallout brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday (October 06) evening, during the virtual forum series Leadership Matters”, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris said representatives of the National COVID-19 Task Force have been meeting regularly with hoteliers in an attempt to ensure all required health and safety protocols are being implemented.
“Since our announcement of the 31st October opening date, our Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Hazel Laws has been meeting with hoteliers and so far, the meetings have been very productive and constructive. I am advised that discussions have taken place with Park Hyatt, Marriott, Four Seasons, KOI at Hilton,” Prime Minister Harris said.
The prime minister further noted that hotel operators are in the process of finalizing the list of on-compound services which they can safely provide to their guests and discussions are ongoing regarding access to selective excursions or tourist sites which visiting guests can safely access.
“Examples may include Brimstone Hill, Zipline, ATV Tours, Safari Tours, Romney Manor, Rainforest Tours, selective beaches. The list of course is not exhaustive,” Dr. Harris said.
Prime Minister Harris further stated that his Government is anticipating a significant increase in arrivals of visitors and returning nationals between the months of November and December 2020.
]]>The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has revealed that Laura Quesada is the winner of its Awake Your Sense of Wander Sweepstakes.
The sweepstakes took place on social media and invited persons from around the world to enter for a random draw.
The grand prize winner receives roundtrip airfare for two from the nearest American Airlines gateway to St. Kitts in 2021 and accommodations for five nights at Park Hyatt St. Kitts.
Minister of Tourism The Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant; Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Racquel Brown and General Manager of the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Marc Schneider extended congratulations Laura and her daughter Vanessa recently via a Zoom call.
“We are excited to welcome you here. We want to show you all around St. Kitts and showcase our people’s hospitality and so I am hoping that when you are here I’ll be able to give you a few tips on how we lime,” Minister Grant said.
Raquel Brown said, “We are excited to have you and you’re going to have the time of your life when you come. Trust us on that.”
“On behalf of our entire team, here at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you,” Mr. Schneider said.
Laura and her daughter said they are ecstatic to be the winner of a roundtrip to St. Kitts.
“We are super excited to meet you and wanted to say ‘Thank you for this prize’. When I mentioned to my family, everybody wanted to come along but Vanessa said ‘Mom, your daughter’.”
THE Awake Your Sense of Wander Sweepstakes took place during the promotional period July 1st to 31st, 2020.
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