Yacht tourism facilities expand

The Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA), in its efforts to boost Yacht Tourism on the island, has launched an ongoing moorings and swim buoys installation project along the western coast of Nevis from Oualie beach in the north to Gallows Bay in the south. The Premier Hon. Joseph Parry who is also minister with responsibility for NASPA commended General Manager Spencer Hanley and his team for this initiative saying that “[NASPA] continues to put systems in place to add to the first class tourism facilities of Nevis.”

“NASPA will be encouraging large cruise ships to come to Nevis but I have been given the assurance that this type of tourism will cater to first class and small boats in the range of 300 to 500 passengers,” Parry said.

The Premier reiterated that land based tourism is the key to the development of tourism on the island. “But as we continue to develop our land based tourism, we will also continue to support the marine based tourism,” he added.

General Manager of NASPA, Mr. Spencer Hanley mentioned that the company Moor Seacure, which is based in Tortola British Virgin Islands, was contracted to install 100 moorings. Ninety-five of them will facilitate boats up to 60 feet and the other five moorings will hold boats from 61 to 90 feet.

Hanley said that ships over 100 feet would have a designated safe area and that the Port Authority would guide vessels to drop anchor. Hanley also mentioned major plans for a marina in the area of Charlestown in which NASPA is involved to enhance the tourism

product. NASPA is also involved in an EC$600,000 project for the protection of swimmers. This combines swim buoys, moorings, and the prohibition of fishing in designated swim areas.