| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 04/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 51 |
| Copyright: Other |
Tourist market gains cash injection
THE Government of St Kitts and Nevis is giving tourism on Nevis a boost with the construction of a larger runway costing $10 million and a terminal building at a cost of around $4 million.The project is due for completion by September next year.
Improvements to the island’s circular road are also earmarked, along with the introduction of another large resort complex, in addition to The Four Seasons Resort, which it is hoped will be in place within five years.
Ministry of Tourism and Culture permanent secretary Tyrone O’Flaherty said: “Various companies have expressed an interest in developing a hotel complex on the island and we are currently in talks with Ritz-Carlton.”
However, he was quick to point out that the introduction of a new resort will not open the floodgates to further hotel and resort development.
With the hurricane season fast approaching, the islanders are hoping for a respite after bad weather forced arrival figures for last year down 4.5%. Much of the decrease is being attributed to the temporary closure of the island’s premier hotel The Four Seasons Resort, which was severely damaged during last year’s hurricanes, Lenny and Jose. The 196-room hotel is currently being renovated and new facilities added to minimise future hurricane damage, such as an offshore breakwater. It is due to re-open on November 24.
UK visitors traditionally stay at smaller plantation inn accommodation which escaped much of the damage, and as a result UK arrivals, which represent 12.5% of the total 47,032 visitors, were only slightly affected.