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by Terrilyn Kunopaski

Toronto, Canada (August 27th 2015):- There’s a feeling of excitement throughout the Caribbean destination of St. Kitts & Nevis, which representatives were eager to share with Canadian travel industry partners at an exclusive event with Tourism Minister Lindsay F.P. Grant on Aug. 26.
Following 20 per cent growth in Canadian arrivals in 2014 over the year prior – the best performance in six years – high hopes for continued success extend far beyond the coming sun season, as the destination is set to open a variety of new properties in the next 24 months.
“It’s a work in progress as I speak,” Grant said, joined by Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts & Nevis tourism office, and director in Canada, Carolyn James.
Kittitian Hill is slowly beginning to receive visitors following a soft opening earlier this year, though it is expected to officially open its doors by early 2016. Shortly thereafter, the Caribbean’s first-ever Park Hyatt will open in June, followed by Embassy Suites by Hilton later that year. Finally, Koi Resorts & Residences, a 298-unit development, is slated to open in 2017.
“Never mind the tremendous development and growth in St. Kitts; we still pride ourselves on ensuring that we preserve our history and culture and heritage,” Grant said. “Despite development, we are very critically engaged in ensuring that we do not over-develop; we are not a mass destination. We don’t have just sand, sea and sun – we are a lifestyle destination.”
“This is an exciting time for us, because growth and development translates into improvement in the well-being of our people and after all, that is what tourism is about: creating opportunities for our people to participate in meaningful ways in the tourism sector, thus creating benefits for all,” James added.
Vice-president of Air Canada Vacations Amr Younes was on hand for the event, representing the only airline and tour operator to offer service to St. Kitts & Nevis from Canada.
“It’s such a great success story that we can’t wait to see this program evolve and develop, because it’s such a beautiful island,” he told guests. “There’s a uniqueness to it that we would love to show more Canadians how beautiful it is.”
An affinity for the destination was also shared by Brown, a native Jamaican who took on her role as CEO for St. Kitts & Nevis following work at the Cayman Islands. “St. Kitts is a very special place. We are a pastime,” she said.