St. Kitts Nevis Tourism Association Responds to Cruise Robbery

Montravers Estate, NevisThe St. Kitts Nevis Hotel and Tourism Assocation (HTA) reacted quickly to the holdup and robbery of 17 visitors off Celebrity Cruises' Mercury ship during a guided bus tour of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a World Heritage site. Nick Menon, President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Hotel Association reached out to the tourists and a statement was issued by the HTA.

Following the incident, Menon said the association was contacting each person individually, "in order to express our sadness over the regretted event and to extend a special invitation for them to return to our shores to truly experience our unique Caribbean hospitality."

A statement that the HTA released said, "National security and the safety of visitors and residents alike are of paramount importance to the future of tourism in our Federation. The HTA will continue to work assiduously with all of the relevant Authorities and stakeholders and in particular, the relevant ministries, to guarantee the protection and safety of all persons visiting our twin island paradise."

"The HTA firmly believes that it is the responsibility of each and every individual residing in the Federation, to create a safe, friendly and hospitable environment for all. This united approach will thwart the actions of the few selfish individuals who are seeking to tarnish the pristine image of St. Kitts and Nevis that we have tirelessly toiled to create and preserve. We will never let the unwarranted and unacceptable behavior of a few destroy the dreams and beliefs of so many."

The statement said St. Kitts-Nevis' perseverance will go undeterred.

"Let me assure you that the HTA will continue to promote and educate the critical concept that 'tourism is the business of everyone', underscoring the importance of protecting and sustaining our unique product. We will use this opportunity to harness the emotions of shock and disbelief being expressed by so many individuals locally, to continuously improve our destination and truly articulate our national motto, 'Country above self'."

Contact Michael Head, manager, St. Kitts and Nevis Hotel Association at telephone: 869-465-5304 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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