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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 04, 2019 (SKNIS): At the recent ceremony to mark the official handing over of the St. Kitts Eco-park (the Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm Co-Op) from the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, encouraged individuals living in the park’s surrounding areas to think outside the box to capitalize on the high traffic at the site, which is located in Sandy Point.

“Experience has shown that once properly managed, initiatives such as the Eco-park spur private sector innovation and infrastructural development and increase employment opportunities as ancillary services such as restaurants, car rentals, tour companies and a myriad of other businesses spring up in the nearby communities to cater to its demands,” said Minister Grant, speaking at the January 24, 2019 event. 

The minister stated that with the local tourism landscape expanding to more rural communities, a community-based division in the Ministry of Tourism had to be set up to ensure that the tourism dollars are not only spent in Basseterre, but in areas like Old Road, Sandy Point, St. Paul’s, Cayon and the like.  

Minister Grant mentioned that the construction of the St. Kitts Ramada Hotel, just outside Newton Ground, which is set to open its doors in September and the Kittitian Hill Development located in the hills of St. Paul’s, appeal to the upscale visitors who are looking for an off the beaten track for vacation and hideaway.

He added that the Eco-park, has every intention of capitalizing on the close proximity of these properties to network and forge mutually sustainable business relationships.

The tourism minister also made a special appeal to taxi and our tour operators, companies, and to the established sites and attractions such as the Scenic Railway, the Brimstone Hill National Park, Caribelle Batik/ Romney Manor and the Amazing Grace Center to partner with the Eco-park.

“This is a public invitation and challenge to those who have unique ideas and plans for contributing to our tourism product to begin putting your creative ideas and creative juices to work, to bring interesting designs, interesting ideas, compelling tours and attractions, that are specific to this area,” said Minister Grant.  

The minister of tourism also appealed to the young people in the nearby communities to take “a very keen interest in this facility, as directly or indirectly, it will impact the lives and the livelihoods of many of your relatives, many of your fellow villagers, and future developments in your communities.”