London, UK, 25 October 2016: A delegation of tourism officials and stakeholders from St. Kitts and Nevis has concluded its 4th annual Destination St. Kitts & Nevis Roadshow in the UK, which saw more than 30 UK tour operators and close to 75 travel agents attended events in London, Surrey and Chester in a drive to significantly grow the UK market.
Stakeholders representing hotels on both St. Kitts and Nevis, travel services including YU Lounge and St. James Travel & Tours and UK reps joined tourism officials for a week of travel industry events from Monday October 10 to 14, 2016 designed to further strengthen existing relationships, develop new contacts and do business with the UK.
On Monday October 10, London travel agents were the first group to be given an insight into the attractions of both St. Kitts and Nevis with an agent training evening at historic Dartmouth House, with over 40 agents attending. A joint destination presentation showcasing the uniqueness of the two islands was given by CEO’s Racquel Brown and Greg Phillip while training sessions were given a fun element with educational games and prizes to ensure that delegates and agents were able to interact and meet all those in attendance.
Chester provided the location for both luxury tour operator and agent sessions with a day of scheduled, one-on-one meetings designed to maximise both delegate and product manager time. Appointments were carefully scheduled to cater to tour operators’ specific luxury portfolio, while also introducing them to the attractions of the destinations. Over 40 Chester travel agents also enjoyed the same interactive and educational training sessions as in London with many prizes on offer.
An annual event on the Destination SKN Calendar in the UK, the opulent surroundings of Hampton Court provided the final showcase for tour operator sessions, where over 25 UK tour operators met with stakeholders and tourism officials for one-on-one meetings followed by dinner with additional special guests including British Airways representatives, jazz musician Courtney Pine, Paul Burham from the UK’s Barmy Army and His Excellency Dr. Kevin Isaac, High Commissioner for St. Kitts & Nevis.
Minister Lindsay Grant, speaking at the close of Destination St. Kitts & Nevis, offered his full support to the annual initiative and said, “On behalf of participating stakeholders and tourism officials, I am pleased with the success of the UK’s fourth Roadshow. This initiative that targets the full spectrum of the UK travel industry is a valuable tool to establish our presence and brand awareness in the market and show just what can be achieved working in partnership together. However, it is essential that we continue to work together as partners and build on the relationships and business we have created this week to be a strong contender in a competitive market.”
Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority said, “Destination St. Kitts & Nevis can only work with the support from stakeholders and we acknowledge the continuing and unwavering support from new and returning stakeholders this week. These events offer important updates for the industry to learn about the new developments in St. Kitts and Nevis but also to help the trade increase their confidence and knowledge of the destination. Finally, I wish to thank stakeholders for the fantastic prizes and gifts sponsored across the events.”
Greg Phillip, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority, said “Destination St. Kitts and Nevis presents St. Kitts and Nevis as one destination despite the drastic differences between the two islands and it is immensely appropriate. Together St. Kitts and Nevis offer an unmatched holiday product with unique and attractive opportunities for those who sell travel and those who travel. The knowledge of this drives us since who we are naturally benefits the visitors we welcome from the UK.”
Destination St. Kitts & Nevis will progress to a follow-up educational to St. Kitts and Nevis from November 12 to 16, 2016 to offer an opportunity for 15 tour operators, reservation staff and agents to experience the island first hand and to familiarise themselves with the accommodation product and visitor experience crucial for the 2016/2017 season.