BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (20 April 2021) — St. Kitts is relaunching its Heart of St. Kitts Sustainability Charter program in an effort to promote a responsible restart of tourism on the island. The Charter provides a framework of best practices for the local tourism industry and is led by the St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism. The revised Charter was developed with support from global NGO Sustainable Travel International and input from more than 30 local businesses.
The revised Charter addresses new best practices and pressing issues such as the climate crisis, equity and inclusion, and health and safety, to pave the way for a sustainable tourism recovery. In 2019, tourism directly contributed over 25% of the country’s GDP and employed one in four residents. SDC Chairperson Diannille Taylor-Williams said: “We must prioritise sustainable tourism practices that preserve the integrity of our beaches, waters, heritage sites, cultural traditions, and other tourism assets. In doing so we can strengthen the competitiveness of our beautiful destination, ensure the prosperity of our tourism industry, and augment community satisfaction.”
More than five businesses have already signed on to the revised Charter, including Ital Creations, Blue Water Safaris Limited, Creative Cultured Creations (3Cs), Digital Print Plus and St. Kitts Eco-Park. Tourism businesses of all shapes and sizes — including hotels, tour operators, transport providers, attractions, vendors, and food and beverage providers — are encouraged to sign on. For more information contact info@heartofstkitts.org.