St. Kitts and Nevis reported a record 222 percent increase in the number of yachts visiting the country in the first three months of 2012, evidence that investments in the country’s tourism industry are paying off, a minister said.
But, despite the rise in traffic – 267 yachts dropped anchor there during Q1 2012 compared to 83 yachts during Q1 2011 and 90 yachts during Q1 2010 – representatives of the Virgin Islands yachting industry said they’re not concerned about competition from St. Kitts and Nevis.
Ricky Skerritt, the SKN minister of transport and tourism, stated in a press release that the country plans to develop a maritime policy and action plan to boost its yachting sector. Those policies are being matched by major investments in infrastructure, Mr. Skerritt said, referring to a $6 million project to build a mega-yacht marina in Christophe Harbour and to expand the nearby Port Zante marina.
In addition, construction began in February on a new private jet terminal at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. Those investments “will help to significantly propel our destination forward in this sector,” Mr. Skerritt said.
See the May 31, 2012 edition for full coverage.
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