Representatives of US based travel agencies who came to Nevis at the invitation of the Nevis Tourism Authority ended their three-day trip on Tuesday, June 19. The nine-member team stayed at Oualie Beach Resort.
In an early morning discussion on Monday one of the agents, Pamela Bentley, said “Nevis is unique, intimate and quiet.”
Yvette Jackman, sales manager, with the Authority, said the agents were invited to “experience Nevis as a potential destination.”
The representatives described Nevis as unique. “It is quiet, intimate and everybody we met is warm and friendly,” Barbara Warren noted.
They visited some of our hotels and considered the trip a learning experience.
“This is an educational trip. We are here to experience the destination,” said Pamela Bentley. The representatives also noted that Nevis had a lot to offer and cited cultural activities and the historical heritage.
“Holiday makers want cultural experiences as well. Caribbean islands have to aggressively sell their uniqueness,” Geormine Stanyard said adding that this was important because American holiday makers will have new options once they access their passports.
“Americans are beginning to be excited about new destinations. It was easier for them to opt for the Caribbean because they could travel using their IDs,” Stanyard added.
The visit came in the wake of reports that Americans travelling to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda have been given more time to get their US passports.
A new US system called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, introduced in January, requires US citizens to have a passport in order to re-enter America when they travel to these countries.
According to travel advisory websites, Americans travelling to these countries have been given some more time to get their US passports.
BBC Caribbean reported last Friday, June 15 that the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to delay for 17 months the new rules requiring passports for Americans airline and cruise ship passengers.
It was announced on Friday, June 15 by the US government that Americans travelling to the region and the other listed areas can, until the end of September this year, use special documents provided by the US State and Homeland Security Departments.
