St. Kitts has opened a new pier with the capability to host large cruise ships.
The new pier, which is in Port Zante, will allow the port to host up to three of the largest cruise ships in the world, officials said. The islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, which have a population of 55,000 people, welcomed 1 million cruise passengers before the end of the cruise season for the past two consecutive years.
Additionally, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association President Michele Paige estimates that within three years, the St. Kitts and Nevis could become the regional destination that cruise passengers choose to spend the most money in.
St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Lindsey Grant noted that regular meetings with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) allow the destination to understand the needs of cruise lines and their passengers, receive feedback on the destination’s service standards and guest experience and get insight into cruise industry trends, such as new ships. The FCCA visited the islands the week of the pier’s opening to discuss further development of the destination’s cruise sector.
The new pier cost $48 million and was financed via four local courses, including $5 million from the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. Established in 1884, the program allows certain individuals and families from around the world to obtain citizenship from St. Kitts and Nevis in return for an investment. Though applicants are not required to have had a previous connection with the islands or take language or culture examinations, they do need to pass all due diligence checks before being considered.
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