St Helena : St. Helena Celebrates Tourism
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 02.10.2006 (Article Archived on 16.10.2006)
World Tourism Day has been observed on St Helena.
World Tourism Day 2006
On 27 September St Helena again celebrated World Tourism Day with a variety of events taking place around the Island.
The event commenced with Governor Clancy delivering his World Tourism Day message via Radio St Helena and Saint FM. Governor Clancy said: “I am very pleased to see us once again celebrating World Tourism Day. It is tremendous to see such a full day being arranged on St Helena for this.”
Governor Clancy spoke about the draft tourism policy and said “We face a number of challenges in our tourism development, but on World Tourism Day we can also count our blessings. This is a chance for us to reflect on all the assets which make our Island such an attractive place to live and to share with visitors.”
The theme is “Tourism Enriches” and Governor Clancy said: “We naturally want to see tourism enrich St Helenians. People want better incomes and rising standards of living.”
The Governor concluded by saying: “…my message for World Tourism Day is – let us offer not just a vacation but an unforgettable experience, which will mutually enrich our lives and the lives of our visitors.”
As part of the celebrations the Tourist Office opened to the public at 9am. It had been transformed into an Enrichment Centre which displayed environmental information prepared by the Environment Section of the Development and Economic Planning Department and the Marine Scientific Officer of the Agricultural & Natural Resources Department. There was also a presentation on activities and jobs in the tourism industry and showings of the Tourist Office promotional DVD on St Helena.
Meanwhile, the St Helena Development Agency was opening its exhibition outside the Council Chamber, which focused on how tourism could enrich the St Helenian economy. SHDA presented potential business opportunities to visitors and these were linked to tourism.
The Food Competition took place in the Council Chamber with 10 people entering. Elvina Mercury took prizes in the four categories for Pastries, Jams and Preserves, Confectionery and Yeast Produce. Other winners were:
Earl Henry Wines
Mildred Constantine Cakes
Gilbert Yon Main Meals
Gilbert Yon Desserts
Beatrice Stroud Miscellaneous
Governor Clancy presented prizes and certificates to all who had entered and following this, entrants shared their produce with those who had attended the prize presentation.
Over 70 items had been entered ranging from black puddings to Strawberry and Champagne Soup. Entries were judged by Delia Allen, Barbara George and Elizabeth Palmer.
Throughout the day, various accommodations were open to members of the public and tours were organised at Longwood House, Plantation House, and a Historical Town Walk. In addition the Arts and Crafts Centre opened, as did Serena’s Ceramics, the Museum and the Archives.
“The day was a success” said Pamela Young, Director of Tourism. “as it helped us to raise awareness about the Island’s tourism industry and how it can enrich St Helena.”
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
2 October 2006
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