Tourism, majorly focused sector in new year address by Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley

St Kitts and Nevis: Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley delivered the New Year’s address on January 1, 2024, on behalf of the Prime Minister of the country, Terrance Drew as he is suffering from the flu virus.

First of all, he wished a full and speedy recovery to the PM and presented the greetings to the people of St Kitts and Nevis for the new beginnings in the new year. Further, he provided flashes of all the achievements the country witnessed in sectors of healthcare, tourism, agriculture and housing through the words in the address.

Considerably, while delivering the message, he laid a strong emphasis on the impactful work of the government of the region over the past 16 months, which included the initiatives taken by the officials for the growth and development of the country, St Kitts and Nevis.

Although many aspects were discussed in the address, tourism is the one which has been given the special space as the aim Deputy PM Geoffrey Hanley put forth for its growth is the projected figure of 7.3%.

Probing ahead, according to Deputy Prime Minister Hanley, the government wants to improve key visitor experiences, therefore, it projects that the tourism sector will expand by 7.3% in 2024. The transition to Common Use Terminal Equipment has already begun, ushering in a better traveller experience.

Due to this improvement, the current system’s limitation that restricts airlines to particular counters will be lifted, better accommodating the condition of increased airlift.

The plans to add kiosks and implement informational screens throughout the terminal to expedite the check-in procedure were also emphasized by Minister Geoffrey Hanley.

Additionally, initiatives are being made to improve port operating efficiency, which is a development that is in line with the government’s goal of creating a sustainable island state.

“Our Promise remains strong as we energetically work towards solidifying tourism as a foundational pillar of our sustainable Island state,” quoted Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley.