SVG launches new tourism website

The Ministry of Tourism’s “bright and vibrant” new website got the full approval of guests who witnessed its launch earlier this week.{{more}}

The site, www.discoversvg.com, which replaced www.svgtourism.com, was officially launched on Monday, at the training room of the National Insurance Services at Upper Bay Street, Kingstown.

Equipped with modern technological amenities, including FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube and Google accounts, the site also allows visitors wishing to travel to any of the many attractions showcased on the site to book accommodations online.

The Ministry of Tourism and SVG Tourism Authority managed site was funded by the European Union to the tune of €150 as part of the Special Framework Assistance (SFA) 2006 Tourism and Private Sector Development Project, which got started three years ago.

It was designed by the Dominica-based web company, Delphis Limited.

Consultant and project web designer Steve McCabe, along with partner Wendy Walsh of Delphis Limited, gave a live demonstration of the site, to the “oohs”, “ahhs” and “wows” of the audience, which included various stakeholders in the tourism sector, as well as employees of the various tourism bodies and the media.

President of the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association, Bianca Porter, said at the launch that the new site captures and showcases key information about the country’s niche markets through its photographs and up-to-date information.

She applauded the initiative that allows on-line booking and said she hoped more business would be generated through this facility. Porter also expressed confidence that the improved site would generate more interest in St. Vincent, resulting in more visitors to the country.

Also speaking at the launch was Minister of Tourism Glen Beache, who indicated that the site, along with other initiatives, would make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a tourism force to be reckoned with.

He added that a tourism website required special attention, and praised Delphis Ltd for the detailed work done. He noted that the website would help to better market the product being offered by St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which he described as the most complete package in the region.

The completed website project is just one of four components under the SFA 2006 umbrella, the others being a 20/20 master plan for the tourism sector, the establishment of a hospitality and marine institute and the construction of a boardwalk at Villa.