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Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 1, 2019 (SKNIS): Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant said that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is the only destination in the OECS to achieve one million cruise passenger arrivals in two consecutive cruise seasons. He said this during his Tourism Awareness Month speech. Tourism Awareness Month is celebrated annually in November. 

“For the first time in our history, we exceeded one million cruise passenger arrivals in two consecutive cruise seasons, in 2018 and 2019. We are the only destination in the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to ever achieve this milestone,” said Minister Grant

History was made in St. Kitts and Nevis on Monday, July 16, 2018 when the popular cruise destination was recognized by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) as a marquee port. This prestigious designation came as a result of the arrival of the one millionth cruise passenger in the 2017/2018 cruise season.

Speaking at a plaque exchange ceremony to mark the significant event on July 16, 2018, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant stated that the arrival marked a momentous occasion for St. Kitts and Nevis.

“We are celebrating the arrival of one million cruise passengers to our shores for the first time in our history. I think it is a testament to our marketing strategy, the strengths of our relationships with the cruise lines and our unique appeal of our growing tourism product,” he said.

Having reached this millionth passenger landmark, St. Kitts-Nevis is now considered by the cruise lines to be a marquee port.

In an interview this week focused on the impending completion date of the second cruise pier, Minister responsible for Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd said, “I’ve already seen the bookings [for the 2019/2020 Cruise Season] and I feel positive that our grassroots economy would benefit most – the hair braiders, the primate vendors, those taxi drivers and restaurant owners – and I see only positive things coming.” 

With the completion of the $48 million cruise pier on November 08, 2019, Port Zante will be able to accommodate three Oasis class ships, which are the world’s largest cruise ships. 

This year’s theme for Tourism Awareness Month is “Tourism: Re-Focused and ‘We Focused’ – #StepUp.”