Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 13, 2020 (ZIZ News): Stakeholders throughout the tourism sector have been given an update on the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the local industry.
A tourism stakeholders meeting was held at the Marriott Resort on Friday where officials from the Tourism Authority and the Ministry Of Health spoke with the attendees on the most recent information surrounding the spread of coronavirus.
CEO of the Tourism Authority Racquel Browne noted that as the virus spreads throughout countries with flights to St. Kitts there will be a reduction in traffic from certain airlines.
She specifically mentioned the suspension of the AA flight to JFK in New York on Wednesdays from April 7 to June 4. She said this was due to numerous cancellations of reservations.
She called on everyone to remain calm and noted that the authority is doing everything it can to promote the destination as they allow this disruption in travel to settle and then move forward.
Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Hazel Laws stated that as of Friday there are no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the federation and the Health Ministry and the National Task Force are doing all they can to prevent the virus from breaching our borders.
She said at the core of these efforts is the strengthening of surveillance at all ports of entry.
The stakeholders meeting wrapped up with a question and answer section where participants where given an opportunity to air specific concerns regarding covid-19 and the tourism industry.