NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 26, 2013) — The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) has a new Board of Directors. The announcement was one of several made by Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Mark Brantley, in a televised address on NTV Channel 8, on February 26, 2013.

Though the members of the new Board would be introduced to the public at a later date, Mr. Brantley further disclosed that they had all agreed to volunteer their services.

“I am pleased to advise that a new Board has been selected for the Nevis Tourism Authority and the members of that Board will be formally introduced to the public in the very near future. I was unable to do so today as some of the members are travelling or were otherwise unavailable.

“In the Administration’s continued pursuit of greater efficiency and cost savings where possible, I am very pleased to advise that all members of the NTA Board have agreed to volunteer their services so that the NTA Board will return to a non-paying Board. I wish to record my deep appreciation to the members of the Board who have agreed to act without financial reward in this critical capacity,” he said.

With regard to the NTA’s marketing, the Tourism Minister disclosed that there was light at the end of the tunnel in the area of public relations.

“I am also delighted to announce that after some years without public relations support, the Nevis Tourism Authority has contracted the services of Noel Mignott of The Portfolio Marketing Group.

“Mr. Mignott brings a wealth of experience to the marketing of tourism, having spent many years with the Jamaican Tourist Board. His public Relations firm is based in New York and we look forward to substantial benefits for tourism in Nevis with greater market penetration in key demographics,” he said.

According to Mr. Brantley, the mandate given to the Public relations firm was clear and Nevis had to be promoted a premier high end destination with emphasis on all its touristic assets.

“Emphasis on our world class hotels, spas and restaurants; our sporting traditions including but not limited to hours racing, Triathlon, Cricket, football, sports fishing, diving, drag racing and soon to be introduced archery; our exceedingly rich history and culture and most importantly our warmth and hospitality as a people,” he said.

The island’s historical association with Alexander Hamilton and Lord Horatio Nelson would also receive attention particularly in the United States of America and the United Kingdom markets respectively.

The Tourism Minister also invited the Nevis Community to help to sell the island as a premier tourist destination.

“The image of our island must be that of a clean, safe, upscale environment and I invite our people, our principal asset to help us create and maintain this image of our island home. Nevis is and will continue to be the authentic Caribbean,” he said.

Meantime, Mr. Brantley said his decision to update the public on his first month in the critical role as Minister of Tourism in keeping with the new Nevis Island Administration’s stated goal of open and transparent governance and continued dialogue with the people of Nevis.

During that period, he had met with the Nevis Branch of the Hotel and Tourism Association and used the opportunity to reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to the Tourism Industry.

“Tourism is the single most important economic activity for our island and it is critical that all the stakeholders understand that we at the Ministry of Tourism will give this industry our fullest support.

“Tourism will be restored to its place as an absolute priority for this Administration, he said.