WORLD TOURISM DAY 2024: ST. KITTS HIGHLIGHTS TOURISM'S ROLE IN FOSTERING GLOBAL PEACE
The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) joined the global summit to promote peace through tourism in observance of World Tourism Day 2024. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” encourages tourist destinations to integrate within their existing tourism model initiatives that promote global understanding, cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and environmental stewardship.
Over the last several decades, the travel industry has been one of the fastest-growing businesses on the planet. A major driver of globalization, travel has opened up corners of the world traditionally off-limits; promoted exchanges between diverse societies; and—done right— generated an appreciation and understanding of the need to protect our shared environment.
The Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, International Transport, Civil Aviation, Urban Development, Employment and Labour, expressed her excitement for this year's celebration, saying,
“Peace has a long-standing relationship of critical importance with the field of tourism. The relationship between the two is manifested in a variety of areas including the fact that tourism provides local citizens the means by which to understand and appreciate the cultures of other people. We also cannot forget the impact of practicing sustainability. Embracing sustainability not only conserves our planet’s natural and cultural resources but also supports peace by fostering harmony and reducing conflicts over resources.”
“As we observe World Tourism Day under the theme Tourism and Peace, St. Kitts will continue to prioritize social justice, equity, peace, and opportunities for diverse and meaningful tourist experiences.”
St. Kitts continues to integrate various initiatives to boost sustainability, such as the Destination Guardian, aimed at equipping Kittitians with crucial knowledge on the value and importance of sustainable tourism—facilitating training workshops to empower our local community to see themselves as stewards of St. Kitts’ future. Additionally, the “I Speak St. Kitts” program encourages tourism professionals to act as ambassadors who spread awareness of St. Kitts’ unique tourism experiences and products, leading to a more connected and sustainable tourism industry.
Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, allows visitors to connect with our past deeply. This historical site acts as an illustration of the diverse history that has shaped us as a nation, allowing us to better understand each other through our inherited cultures so that there can be conversations about where we have come from together.
An important feature of St. Kitts's commitment to sustainable tourism was highlighted in its recent signing of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. This charter requires that 2030 emissions associated with tourism be cut by fifty percent while net zero must be achieved by 2050. Ms. Diannille Taylor-Williams, Director at the Ministry of Tourism, underscored this huge commitment at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States.
St. Kitts is actively translating its sustainability pledge into tangible actions. For instance, Sunset Reef promotes eco-friendly vacations by utilizing geothermal technology to reduce its carbon footprint. Park Hyatt St. Kitts has earned a Green Key Certificate, reflecting its commitment to sustainability through measures such as reduced linen changes and selective use of single-use amenities. Additionally, St. Kitts Marriott Resort demonstrates its dedication to environmental responsibility by tracking its carbon footprint at 155.79 kg per room night and its water footprint at 2699.46 liters per room night.
In its communities, St. Kitts offers immersive tourism experiences such as cultural tours at Wingfield Estate and vibrant local festivals, including the St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival (SugarMas) and Nevis’ Culturama, which invite visitors to engage directly with the destination’s cultural traditions. Such activities enable cultural exchange and understanding between visitors and locals.
The MOT and SKTA invite all stakeholders, local and global alike, to think about the transformative potency of tourism in demolishing barriers, raising communities, and being a cornerstone in inspiring positive global change.