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NTA Tourism Ambassador Partnership Will Share Unique Nevis Experiences with Global Audiences

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The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Nevis Tourism Ambassador Program, a unique partnership with an exclusive group of Travel Advisors, Influencers and Journalists. The six Tourism Ambassadors are Margie Jordan-Travel Advisor, Wesley Francis-Travel Advisor, Bianca Jade–Influencer, Stefanie Michael–Influencer, Erinne Magee-Journalist and Melissa Corbin-Journalist.

The Tourism Ambassadors were selected based on their commitment and support in promoting Nevis to their respective audiences.  Together they will highlight different aspects of the Nevis tourism product –Culture, Health & Wellness, Romance, Sports and Culinary adventures.

“We are thrilled that these exceptional individuals who love Nevis have agreed to partner with us and share from their own perspective what makes our island such a special place,” said Jadine Yarde, CEO.  “We appreciate their generous support, which is a powerful endorsement for our destination.  We look forward to working closely with each of them for our mutual benefit, as we bring their Nevis stories to audiences across the globe,” she continued.

Margie Jordan’s company Margie Travels isa thriving boutique luxury travel business in Florida that caters to the needs of an exclusive clientele. She has been featured and mentioned in many online and print publications, including Travel Weekly, the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Los Angeles Times, Reuters, and others. 

Wesley Francis is a self-proclaimed “city-raised island girl” from the Bronx, New York. She is an ardent Caribbean aficionado and travel planner, specializing in group travel for women who are tired of waiting on others.

Bianca Jade isfounder of the Health & Lifestyle brand MizzFit, and travels the USA as a Fitness, Health, Beauty & Travel expert correspondent for local news stations. One of the first fitness bloggers and influencers in the country, she was discovered by Nike’s R&D team which promptly led to her debut on The Today Show in 2009.

Stefanie Michael, AdventureGirl, was named “America’s Tweetheart” by Vanity Fair Magazine for her digital presence on Twitter as well as her ability to engage fans, bringing exposure to the brands with whom she works. She is a sought-after travel and social media expert, with a long list of television, print and online features.  

Erinne Magee is a Maine based Travel & Culinary Journalistand author, her work is published by the New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Boston Globe, American Way, Rachael Ray, Business Insider and more.

Melissa Corbin is a Tennessee based travel and culinary journalist, who tells the stories of the folks and places that make their corner of the world so unique. Her national bylines include Food & Wine magazine, Lonely Planet, Matador and EATER, and appears regularly on television daytime shows.

For more information on the Nevis Tourism Ambassadors, and to see their stories, please visit https://nevisisland.com/ambassadors

For travel and tourism information on Nevis please visit the Nevis Tourism Authority  website at  www.nevisisland.com; and follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

About Nevis

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

Media Contact: Nana Delatour, Portfolio Marketing Group, E: nana.d@pmgroup.bz

Nevis Mango Festival Goes Virtual

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The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) is pleased to announce  that this year’s annual Nevis Mango Festival 2020 will be held virtually in lieu of the traditional physical event on the island.  This is due to the travel restrictions and health protocols currently in place, based on the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

The eagerly anticipated Mango Festival showcases two of Nevis’ key selling points: its exceptional culinary tradition and its over 40 varieties of local mangoes.  The highlight of the festival is a creative culinary challenge where chefs must incorporate mangoes into three innovative courses.

Nevis Mango Festival 2020 Launches Virtual Event

The launch date of the Festival is Monday, June 22, via the following social media platforms: Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

The online festivities begin on Friday, July 3, with a Virtual Mango Tasting presentation on all social media platforms and on Nevis TV.  The video presentation will be done by the Ministry of Agriculture, featuring the different types of mangoes on the island.

On Saturday, July 4, at 10:00 AM, there will be a Live Mango Festival Cook-Off at Cleveland Gardens. This will be streamed on Nevis TV and the NTA social media platforms.  The participating Chefs are Berecia Stapleton and Wentworth Smithen. They will compete in two rounds, a prepared round and a mystery basket round, incorporating different varieties of mangoes for each course.

The grand finale on Sunday, July 5, will feature international celebrity UK Iron Chef Judy Joo. The Korean-American French-trained chef and frequent Food Network host and guest will host a Virtual Master Class displaying her incredible culinary skills.  She will create a luscious Mango Tiramisu – the ideal though admittedly non-traditional tropical dessert treat for the July Fourth weekend!

Tune in for this Mango Extravaganza showcase from Nevis – follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

Nevis Mango Festival 2020 Launches Virtual Event

About Nevis:

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

More news about Nevis.

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact:

Nana Delatour

Portfolio Marketing Group

E: nana.d@pmgroup.bz

Antigua & Barbuda Announce Phased Reopening Of Tourism Sector

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The Government of Antigua & Barbuda has announced a phased approach to the reopening of the country’s tourism and hospitality industry as they prepare to welcome the first guests back on island today. The Ministry of Health, Wellness & The Environment has determined that the country is now ready to reopen the borders to international and regional travelers, whilst utilizing a phased and controlled approach. A series of travel safety protocols are being introduced which impact every element of the visitor experience, from arrivals at ports of entry, through ground transfers, resort accommodations, restaurants, tours and attractions. 

A series of travel safety protocols are being introduced which impact every element of the visitor experience, from arrivals at ports of entry, through ground transfers, resort accommodations, restaurants, tours and attractions.  

“The health and safety of our residents and our visitors will always be our top priority,” stated the Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment.  “Despite the severe economic strain on our economy resulting from the closure of our tourism industry, we waited until we were in a position to reassure both our citizens and our prospective guests that every precaution is being taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation experience.  The travel safety protocols have been developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Health, with the full support and cooperation of our stakeholders,”.

“We look forward to welcoming our visitors back to Antigua and Barbuda,” said Colin James, CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “While we look forward to our borders opening, this is still a highly unprecedented time and we realize that we are now entering a new and ever-changing landscape. Priorities in the travel industry have shifted, and our visitors’ priorities are different – we have worked diligently across all sectors on the islands as well as in collaboration with our Caribbean neighbors to prepare for the new normal and to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all”.

During Phase one, the following safety measures will be in place at ports of entry:

  • All arriving passengers must have a mask in their possession for use on disembarkation, which must be worn in public areas throughout their stay in Antigua and Barbuda.
  • All arriving passengers must complete a health declaration form.  Screenings and thermal checks will occur on arrival and passengers may be asked to undergo coronavirus testing on arrival.
  • With regard to airport transfers, up to 4 members of a family are allowed in a single vehicle while larger commercial passenger transport vehicles are permitted to carry only 50% of the vehicle seating capacity, for example 7 passengers in a 15 –seater vehicle. Vehicles must be kept clean and sanitized after each trip, and all will be equipped with hand sanitizer. All vehicles will be subject to random inspections by public health officers and certified vehicles will clearly display a decal indicating safety approval.
  • Passengers arriving by sailing craft (private yachts/Ferry Services) are subject to the guidelines issued by Port Health. 
  • All Marine Pleasure Craft and Ferry Services will enter ONLY at the Nevis Street Pier. 
  • All hospitality accommodations to include hotels, resorts, villas and home rentals must satisfy the stipulations of the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment and be certified prior to reopening to welcome visitors. 
  • Restaurant dining protocols include enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, incorporate physical distancing measures, and will offer a la carte dining and delivery or takeout services, instead of buffet.

Tourism Authority Website

More news about Antigua and Barbuda.

#rebuildingtravel

For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Maria Blackman
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com

Nevis has no Active Cases of Coronavirus

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The island of Nevis, one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets, has announced it is now COVID-19 free after launching a series of measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The island of Nevis, part of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has been aggressive in the measures taken to safeguard citizens, residents and visitors alike.

St. Kitts and Nevis officially closed its borders on March 25, 2020 and is not accepting any commercial airline flights, ships and yachts into its seaports or airports until further notice. Nationals and residents overseas have been required to remain offshore until the border closing is lifted. It was a bold move by the destination that is serious about containing the spread of coronavirus, but it seems to have paid off.

The specially created task force on Nevis is ensuring that all businesses adhere to the mandates set in place and so far, the island has been exemplary in working together with hotels, restaurants and other businesses to ensure that they are all doing their part in this fight.

One initiative that has also helped is The Nevis Health App which has been created to track if persons have symptoms thus mitigating the risks of the pandemic. Ongoing monitoring is taking place regularly by the health service and as it stands there are 3 cases still in the Federation.

Jadine Yarde, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) stated:

“The decision to close our borders did not come without serious consideration as tourism is hugely important to Nevis, however, our highest priority is the health and well-being of our people. This has paid off and we are now Covid free. We wish the best for all those interested in Nevis and we hope to see you when we can finally accept visitors again.”

About Nevis

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes, and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact:

Nana Delatour

Portfolio Marketing Group

E: nana.d@pmgroup.bz  

#TasteofNevis Global Competition Brings Nevis into Homes

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It was William Shakespeare who wrote, “As full of spirit was the month of May…” The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) is embracing his words as they launch a video series competition, #TasteofNevis, a celebration of Nevisian culture. The contest focuses on transporting the viewer electronically to Nevis, bringing the island into the homes of those yearning to travel as they quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The #TasteofNevis competition reaches a global audience each week. After watching step-by-step tutorials given by expert Nevisians, viewers are encouraged to participate and create videos that showcase the culture of Nevis. For example, in the culinary arena, weekly prizes will be awarded to the best ‘re-creations’ of local fare and a grand prize will be awarded to the viewer who submits the recipe that is judged to be most creative.

The celebrated Nevis cocktail, the ‘Spicy Island Turtle’, a white rum and mango infused drink, will be the first re-creation. Weekly video tutorials will be available on all social media platforms: Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally) accounts. For a full list of ingredients please visit www.nevisisland.com website.

To submit an entry, participants must post a photo or video of the re-creation via Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally) or Twitter (@Nevisnaturally), making sure to tag @nevisnaturally and using the hashtag #TasteofNevis.

The Nevis Tourism Authority has been working diligently to ensure that the destination remains top of mind during this difficult time. As travel restrictions currently prohibit visitors from entering the country, the NTA has also launched the #SeeYouSoonNevis campaign, a video montage showcasing an array of breath-taking images across all social media platforms.

About Nevis

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact: Nana Delatour, Portfolio Marketing Group, E: nana.d@pmgroup.bz

Nevis’ Premier Offers “Corona Curfew Cooking” Recipes

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Across the globe, social distancing protocols have been implemented to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, requiring large segments of the population to remain indoors for extended periods.  The lovely Caribbean island of Nevis is no exception. However, the Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation for St. Kitts and Nevis, and Premier of Nevis with portfolio responsibility for tourism, is offering a novel and refreshing approach to Nevisians by providing cooking recipes and exercise tips on social media.

Premier Brantley is using humor to keep families entertained, and his witty posts such as ‘Corona Curfew Cooking’ have lifted spirits and encouraged many to be hopeful during this period of uncertainty. Chicken soup, fish broth, ackee and saltfish, and curry chicken with basmati rice are among a few dishes that the Premier has prepared to encourage people to stay indoors and eat healthily. His positive outlook and inspirational quotes have steadily gained momentum and have created somewhat of a craze in the social media realm.

“I strongly believe that we will emerge stronger and better individuals on the other side of this crisis,” declared Premier Brantley. “We are all in this together, that’s why it is important for me to share some fun and fellowship, and perhaps motivate others to join me in making the best of the circumstances,” he continued. “We must remain grateful for all that we have, count our blessings, and look for silver linings as we get through this challenging time.”

As we all come to terms with varying degrees of confinement imposed by this pandemic, it is crucial to keep our minds and bodies healthy. If you would like to try out some new exercise trends and take on some innovative culinary creations, while being both entertained and informed, follow Premier Brantley on Twitter @markbrantley3.

Follow the hashtag #NevisPrepared or go to the website www.nevisprepared.com to get current updates and accurate information regarding COVID-19 in Nevis.

About Nevis:

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F / mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com  and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

Media Contact:

Nana Delatour

Portfolio Marketing Group

E nana.d@pmgroup.bz  

Nevis Postpones Annual Summer Festival

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The global community is in the grip of the COVID-19 virus, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, in accordance with the policies of the St. Kitts and Nevis government, the annual Nevis Mango and Food Festival 2020 will not take place this year. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution, with the well-being, safety and health of both residents and visitors in mind.

The 3-day Nevis Mango and Food Festival, slated to take place on the 4th of July weekend, has become a fixture on culinary calendars for foodies. Chefs from across the region, along with a visiting celebrity chef, embrace an epic culinary challenge, totally dedicated to the mango and the creative cuisine inspired by mangos. The only caveat is that the mangos that are used must be one of the 40+ varieties that grow on the island. The festival is an initiative by the Nevis Tourism Authority and is now expected to take place next year, over the 4th of July weekend, 2021.

In making the announcement, the CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority, Ms. Jadine Yarde, said, “The Nevis Mango Festival has become a staple on our tourism calendar; however, this is an unprecedented situation and our main priority continues to be the health and safety of our visitors, our colleagues, Nevisians and the people of the global community.” She continued, “These are challenging times, but they will come to an end. We encourage you to stay well. We will prevail and your friends in Nevis will be here to welcome you when you are ready and able to travel again.”

About Nevis:

Nevis is part of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis and is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. Conical in shape with a volcanic peak at its center known as Nevis Peak, the island is the birthplace of the founding father of the United States, Alexander Hamilton. The weather is typical of most of the year with temperatures in the low to mid-80s°F/mid 20-30s°C, cool breezes and low chances of precipitation. Air transportation is easily available with connections from Puerto Rico, and St. Kitts. For more information about Nevis, travel packages and accommodations, please contact the Nevis Tourism Authority, USA Tel 1.407.287.5204, Canada 1.403.770.6697 or our website www.nevisisland.com and on Facebook – Nevis Naturally.

Media Contact:

Nana Delatour

Portfolio Marketing Group

E nana.d@pmgroup.bz  

Nevis Mango & Food Festival set for July 4-7, 2019

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Now in its fifth year, the Nevis Mango & Food Festival, which will take place July 4-7, 2019, is quickly becoming a serious contender for top spots in Caribbean food festivals and this year is shaping up to be another success.

Nevis mangoes, of which there are 44 varieties, are truly special and prized for their texture and flavor. They inspire culinary creativity among celebrity and local chefs who carefully select their favorites and turn them into everything from soups and salsas, to marinades, sauces, cocktails and fabulous desserts. Locals, however, happily eat them fresh off the trees!

As in previous years the 2019 festival will prominently feature the culinary talents of UK Iron Chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and frequent Food Network chef, Judy Joo. “Chef Joo fell in love with Nevis upon her first visit and we are thrilled and honored that she has embraced the island and the festival each year,” says Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) CEO Greg Phillip. “Not only is Judy inventive and innovative in her approach to cooking with mangoes, but her stewardship of the event has been an encouragement to our local Nevisian chefs who take part in the festival and competitions. We look forward to another spectacular year.”

The four-day mango extravaganza starts with special “Mango Fest” menus at a number of local restaurants and also at many of the resorts. Guests from all over the island are happy to reserve their spots for lunches and dinners that feature this special ingredient. And, the chefs from Nevis resorts and restaurants will be joined this year with other chefs who will all compete in a mango cook-off on Sunday, July 7, at Oualie Beach for the final celebration and festival. With live music and food abounding, this is the day not to be missed.

Mark your calendars now for the 2019 Nevis Mango & Food Festival and visit  nevismangofest.com for more information.

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St. Kitts shines in US Roadshow 2019

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A signature activity in US, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority conducted its 2nd annual Destination St. Kitts & Nevis US Roadshow 2019 from Monday, March 25 to Friday, March 29. The week-long series of 6 events were held in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Houston, Farmer’s Branch (Texas) and Dallas in order to grow visitor arrivals from these gateway markets and supporting flow markets. These events were designed to educate travel agents, tour operators, MICE buyers, wedding and honeymoon planners, media and experiential lifestyle consumers about everything the destination has to offer both business and leisure travelers.

“This year’s US Roadshow was a resounding success with record numbers of attendees for each event,” said the Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts & Nevis. “Having attracted the sheer number of travel agents, MICE buyers, media and more who sell or publicize business and/or leisure travel demonstrates that there is growing interest and demand in these gateway markets for the tourism product that St. Kitts & Nevis has to offer.”

The first event was a brunch held at The Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown, New York, an affluent suburb north of New York City on Monday, March 25. The second event was a dinner held at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey, an upscale neighborhood in the northern part of the state, also on March 25. On Tuesday, March 26, the third event was a dinner held at the Westin Buckhead, located in an affluent suburb just north of Atlanta. The fourth event was a luncheon held on Wednesday, March 27, at the Hess Club in Houston. A cocktail reception held on Thursday, March 27 at the Brookhaven Country Club in Farmer’s Branch, an affluent suburb of Dallas, Texas, was the fifth event in the Roadshow, while the sixth and final event was a luncheon held at III Forks Restaurant in Dallas.

All events supported St. Kitts’ non-stop flights and attracted a total of 300 attendees combined, all of whom were travel agents, MICE buyers, tour operators, wedding and honeymoon planners, media or experiential lifestyle consumers. Attendees were top travel professionals representing some of the most respected organizations in the business, including Maritz Travel, Cox Enterprises, Pro Travel International, Meetings Plus, Valerie Wilson Travel, Houston Style Magazine, Frosch, Questex LLC, Travel Impressions, and Westchester magazine.

“Developing lasting relationships with top travel professionals in our key gateway markets is a key component of our overall marketing strategy for the destination and our Roadshow provides us with the opportunity to connect with these individuals face-to-face,” added Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “In order to continue growing arrivals, we need to maintain and expand our base of sellers to help fill our non-stop flights as we continue to build out new and increased airlift from the US.”

In addition to being treated to a meal and lively conversation with representatives from St. Kitts, the individuals played games, listened to presentations and won a variety of prizes from hotel stays to bottles of St. Kitts’ own Brinley Gold Shipwreck rum that were provided by participating local island tourism stakeholders. In addition, attending travel agents were offered a special $150 incentive for booking clients’ air only on the non-stop flights to St. Kitts or air in combination with a hotel reservation at participating destination hotels, all offering special Summer Sunsation rates, between now and May 17, 2019 for clients’ travel through August 17, 2019 when they log their productivity on St. Kitts’ website or via the Destination Specialist program with Travel Agent University. As a result, many attendees are now adding St. Kitts & Nevis as a featured destination they will sell to their clients.

The delegation from St. Kitts inclded: the Hon. Lindsay F. P. Grant, Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts & Nevis; Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Ambassador Jonel Powell, Chairman of the Artist Selection Committee for the St. Kitts Music Festival; Annie Sinzinger, US Marketing Manager for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Denise Zimber, Christina Mucha and Shayna White, Marketing Consultants for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; Tom Jaronski, Golf Consultant for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; and Candice Kimmel, CEO and Founder of Adams Unlimited, PR & Marketing Agency in North America for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

A number of tourism stakeholders from St. Kitts & Nevis were also part of the delegation, including: Troy Hendrickson, Carib Journey Masters; Tawanna Wigley, Sales Representative, Ocean Terrace Inn; Richard Berridge, General Manager, Kayanjet; Jaana Kuntonen, Sunlinc; Christine Marshall, Sales Manager, Park Hyatt St. Kitts; Sylvia Martinez, Director of Sales and Marketing, St. Kitts Marriott; Tim Thuell, Nisbet Plantation; Cyndi Miller-Aird, President, Miller + Aird Destination Marketing for Belle Mont Farm; Jamar Wilkins, Travel Industry Sales Manager, Four Seasons Resort Nevis; and Darren Thompson, General Manager, Royal St. Kitts.

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Tourism for Tomorrow Awards: WTTC makes the 2019 announcement

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is delighted to announce the 2019 leaders in sustainable tourism at the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards ceremony. The Awards, now in their 15th year, took place at a special ceremony during the WTTC Global Summit in Seville, Spain, to celebrate inspirational, world-changing tourism initiatives from around the globe.

The 2019 WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Award Winners are highly commended and recognized for business practices of the highest standards that balance the needs of ‘people, planet and profits’ within the Travel & Tourism sector. Our 2019 Winners promote inclusive growth and illustrate a strong commitment to supporting change and transformation in business practices and consumer behavior towards a more environmentally conscious sector.

The Winners of the 2019 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are:

  • Climate Action Award – Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba
  • Investing in People Award – Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, India
  • Destination Stewardship Award – St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, St. Kitts and Nevis
  • Social Impact Award – Awamaki, Peru
  • Changemakers Award – SEE Turtles, USA

The Awards are judged by a panel of independent experts, led by Prof. Graham Miller, Executive Dean, Professor of Sustainability in Business, University of Surrey.  The panel included academics, business leaders, NGO and governmental representatives who narrowed down the list of 183 applications to just fifteen finalists. The three-stage judging process included a thorough review of all applications, followed by on-site evaluations of the Finalists and their initiative.

The Winner of each category was determined by the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2019 Winners’ Selection Committee, chaired by Fiona Jeffery OBE, Founder & Chairman, Just a Drop, and composed of Wolfgang M. Neumann, Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisory, Global Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Sector; John Spengler, Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; and Louise Twining-Ward, Senior Private Sector Specialist, Global Tourism Team, World Bank.

WTTC represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism. Its Global Summit is the most important event in the sector worldwide each year.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, commented: ‘The finalists in this year’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards showcase the many ways in which our industry is dedicated to sustainable growth. In 2018, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed 10.4% of global GDP and supported 319 million jobs across the world. It is therefore essential that we continue to grow in the most sustainable and responsible way possible. The new award categories for this year are aligned with WTTC strategic priorities and illustrate that all members of this industry play a key role in driving the sector forward to a more responsible future. I congratulate them all on their fantastic accomplishments and leadership.’

 Fiona Jeffery, OBE, Chair, WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, said: ‘The aim of the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is to showcase some of the most exceptional examples of sustainable tourism practices in the world, and inspire and encourage our industry to make a positive impact for both current and future generations. Over 15 years, we have seen the industry make great strides towards achieving these goals and we can see positive change happening. Our recent survey results show that 67% of travellers would consider a travel company’s sustainability agenda when booking a trip, whilst 48% of travellers would now pay more money to travel sustainably. Whilst there is still more to be done, we must harness the momentum for change to protect the product that sustains our very own industry.’

Jeff Rutledge, President and CEO, AIG Travel, Headline Sponsor of the Awards, stated: ‘From socially-inclusive employment initiatives to establishing one of the first rewilding projects in the Philippines, this year’s WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards finalists have proved to be an incredibly diverse group of changemakers from around the world. They have demonstrated that, regardless of the size or purpose of business, all members of the Travel & Tourism industry can afford to make sustainability a priority, and become part of our collective journey towards a greener future.’

For more information on the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and all the Winners, please visithttp://wttc.org/t4tawards

Full list of Winners and Finalists:

Climate Action Award, for organisations undertaking significant and measurable work to reduce the scale and impact of climate change:

  • WINNER: Bucati & Tara Beaach Resort
  • FINALIST: The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island, French Polynesia
  • FINALIST: Tourism Holdings Limited, New Zealand

Investing in People Award, for organisations demonstrating leadership in becoming an exciting, attractive, and equitable employer in the sector:

  • WINNER: Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, India
  • FINALIST: Reserva do Ibitipoca, Brazil
  • FINALIST: Shanga by Elewana Collection, Tanzania 

Destination Stewardship Award, for organisations helping a place to thrive and bring forward its unique identity for the benefit of its residents and tourists: 

  • WINNER: St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council, St. Kitts and Nevis
  • FINALIST: Grupo Rio da Prata, Jardim and Bonito, Brazil
  • FINALIST: Masungi Georeserve, Philippines

Social Impact Award, for organisations working to improve the people and places where they operate:

  • WINNER: Awamaki, Peru
  • FINALIST: Intrepid Group, Australia
  • FINALIST: Nikoi Island, Indonesia

Changemakers Award, this year focused on organisations fighting the illegal wildlife trade through sustainable tourism: 

  • WINNER: SEE Turtles, USA
  • FINALIST: Kelompok Peduli Lingkungan Belitung (KPLB), Indonesia
  • FINALIST: The Cardamom Tented Camp, Cambodia

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