The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority is hoping that its Christmas outreach programme will bring further awareness to tourism here.{{more}}

Executive Assistant at the Authority Annie Peters, speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, indicated that there are plans to make locals more aware of the industry, with its programme which is being held under the theme ‘Bridging the Gap to Tourism.’

“This campaign begins on Christmas Eve with a breakfast for the homeless,’ Peters stated.

Peters said that this event is expected to have a dual purpose: to provide a hot meal and change of clothing for these persons, as well as to educate them in an effort to minimize harassment of visitors and littering.

Also on that day, we will be seeking to heighten our ‘Do 32’ t-shirt campaign, which was launched in September this year.”

“Staff members of The Authority will be on the streets selling these t-shirts. We encourage all returning nationals and visitors who will be here for the Christmas period to purchase these t-shirts.”

Peters mentioned that purchasers of the t-shirts will automatically be entered into a draw for a chance to win a sailing trip to one or more of the islands.

She also indicated that at least one gift basket will be given to a less fortunate person or family.

These initiatives will follow the Authority’s hosting of two highly anticipated familiarization (fam) trips later this week.

The first will be of Canadian radio travel talk show host Chris Robinson, who will be renewing his wedding vows with his wife while here.

Robinson will also air his programme live during the one-week trip which begins on December 14th.

Good Morning America, an Emmy award winning United States television show, will be visiting a number of sites on their trip to the islands.

A film crew will be here from December 16th to 19th gathering footage for the show’s weekend edition. (JJ)