Nevis is ready for the Canadian comeback with eased entry restrictions
Effective Oct. 7, the Caribbean island of Nevis reduced its Vacation in Place quarantine for fully vaccinated international air travellers from four days down to 24 hours. Nevis Tourism also recently revamped its website, which highlights the Caribbean island’s offerings alongside scenic imagery of its famed sandy beaches and lush green mountains.
To find out more about what’s new, Travel Courier caught up with Jadine Yarde, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority, to talk about what sets the destination apart, itinerary inspiration for travellers and why the organization is excited for the return of the Canadian market.
The pandemic has been challenging for the travel industry. Can you give us an update on the state of tourism in Nevis right now?
Nevis reopened to international tourism October 2020, and we are happier than ever to welcome back international travellers, including visitors from Canada. Nevis is truly a resilient island and as we continue to combat COVID-19, we are proud to present our most updated travel protocols: Travellers coming to Nevis must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of a negative COVID 19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival.
Airport health screening remains in place, and all travellers are required to ‘Vacation in Place’ for 24 hours at one of the island’s four ‘Travel-Approved’ hotels — Four Seasons Resort, Golden Rock Inn, Montpelier Plantation & Beach, and Paradise Beach. This is both a safe and relaxing way to begin a vacation. Within 24 hours upon arrival to Nevis, travellers staying at approved tourist lodging (condo, hotel, resort, villa) will be tested. Once travellers test negative in an RT PCR test, they may access all the on-island amenities that make Nevis an unforgettable vacation, including restaurants, bars, one-of-a-kind tours, and destination sights.
The Nevis Tourism Authority updates these travel protocols readily accessible to travellers on our website at: https://nevisisland.com/travel-requirements.
Some people may not know as much about Nevis than they do about St. Kitts. Can you share a little bit about what sets the destination apart?
Nevis offers a more secluded and unspoiled experience; peace and quiet; and we are famed for our charm and the warmth and genuineness of our people. There are no traffic lights, fast food restaurants or chain stores. Renowned for abundant freshwater and hot volcanic springs, the island is surrounded by coral reefs and has stunning white sand beaches.
Nevis, an eco-tourism haven, is loved by many for its vividly green sites, blue skies, clean air, and uncrowded, sandy beaches. The island offers luxury and contemporary accommodations, nestled in the hills or dotted along the coast, including the beachfront oasis, Four Seasons Resort Nevis. Nevis has something for every type of traveler, from sports and adventure to wellness and romance. Tourist attractions include hiking the 3,232 ft. Nevis Peak, exploring sugar plantations and historical landmarks, visiting thermal hot springs, craft houses, beach bars and miles of untouched beaches.
The Cross Channel Swim from Nevis to the sister island of St. Kitts brings out the best local and international swimming athletes. The Nevis Mango Festival attracts top chefs to this unique, annual, culinary competition and the island’s premier festival Nevis Culturama is a chance to let one’s hair down and soak up the culture. History lovers will be impressed by the capital city of Charlestown, one of the best remaining examples of 19th century Georgian architecture in the Caribbean; Hamilton House, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton; Cottle’s Church, one of the earliest places in the Caribbean to have integrated congregations; as well as ruins of old plantations and military forts — each with their own story to explore.
Why are you optimistic about the future?
The next ‘Golden Age of Travel’ is approaching and we’re excited to be a part of it. During the pandemic, whilst keeping the people of the island safe has been the priority, the Nevis Tourism Authority has seized the opportunity to elevate the island’s tourism products and introduce exciting new activities for the return of international travellers. We are particularly proud of the launch of the Nevis Sustainability Project to make Nevis an even more eco-friendly destination, reinforcing our commitment to the environment and providing our visitors with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and connect with Nature. This aligns very well with what people are looking for in terms of environmental responsibility, healthy living, fun and relaxation.
What’s new in terms of room inventory and developments in the pipeline?
Accommodation on Nevis tends to be either in the hills or on the beaches. You can choose from luxury hotels, colonial style inns, superb villas and contemporary condos. All will make you feel very comfortable and relaxed, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the Caribbean pursuit of ‘liming’ – chilling out.
The Four Seasons Resort Nevis recently launched the Alexander Hamilton package which invites guests to take a walk through history as they experience the birthplace of one of the most notable Founding Fathers of the United States. The package includes, among others, a private rum pairing dinner, a movie night with dinner under the stars, a historical botanical tour with Guest Experience Director, Mac Kee France, and an exclusive Hamilton-style portrait painting session for guests to take home as a part of this historical experience.
Four Seasons Resort Nevis recently completed a multi-phase enhancement project with the launch of re-envisioned guest rooms and suites, an updated look for the Great House lobby and the opening of new F&B outlets, EsQuilina and crowned monkey RUM BAR. The latest enhancements include the redesign of the main signature pool, new restaurant concept — On the Dune — that extends out onto the sand. The new venue will serve as the new signature pool and beach dining option, offering casual fare throughout the day with views leading out to the Caribbean Sea, the Narrows Channel and the neighbouring island of St. Kitts.
What are your views on community tourism and how it could help impact the local economy?
I believe community tourism is a great way for travellers to support locally owned businesses, while also getting a one-of-a-kind experience. During the pandemic, Nevis has relied on local tourism from both Nevis and St. Kitts. We receive many visitors from St. Kitts, including foreign students at local universities, who come to experience the tranquility that Nevis has to offer.
Data from Booking.com’s 2021 Research Report shows that more than two-thirds (68%) of travellers want the money they spend when traveling to go back to the local community, while a further 43% intend to support local communities and economies through more thoughtful choices. We want to continue supporting community tourism as the income won’t only go to these businesses, but also the local community which sends ripples of economic support throughout the business’ entire local supply chain, including farmers, artists, musicians, restaurateurs, and IT professionals.
Perhaps you can share a bit about the importance or significance of the Canadian market and what’s being done to grow it?
Canada is our third source market, representing 8% of total arrivals pre-COVID. We are looking forward to welcoming Canadians back to our island. Nevis is a great destination for snowbirds. We are working to attract them in addition to our adventure and honeymoon travellers. We intend to increase our marketing and promotional activities in Canada in the coming year. We are also in collaboration with the Stacey Martin Lifestyle designer brand, based in Ontario, to artfully capture the richness of Nevisian culture, and express it in fabric and design. This collaboration is intended to increase exposure throughout Canada, Caribbean, USA, and UK with cross marketing with our public relations teams.
Many of our readers are travel advisors. What role do you see travel advisors playing in the recovery of the industry?
With the ever changing travel landscape and the effects of the pandemic, the role of the Travel Advisor became more important than ever as travellers seek counsel to assist them in making informed decisions. Much like travel insurance, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of working with a trusted travel advisor to save time, money and stress and help travellers successfully navigate any unexpected hiccups from the beginning to end of their trip.
Is there anything else new and exciting to share that the Canadian market may not be aware of? Any updates on lift to the destination?
We are happy to say that Air Canada should be restarting its service into St. Kitts on Dec. 05 — April 24. If you’re travelling directly from the US or UK, your flight will arrive in St. Kitts, where you will be escorted by taxi to Reggae Beach to your water taxi to your accommodation in Nevis.
We are also excited to introduce the #NevisNice logo, designed by local artist Vaughn Anslyn, which provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable Instagram shot. Social media will know you were here.
Earlier this year, we also launched the “Around The Garden” tour around a five-acre fruit farm in Cades Bay which offers visitors a fascinating window into the cultivation and the nutritional aspects of the various fruits grown on the farm. The attraction showcases another distinct aspect of Nevis, one that appeals to our growing culinary tourism market.
We also recently launched our revamped website, which spotlights the luxe Caribbean island’s offerings. The website features optimized travel information about Nevis, including accommodations, attractions, restaurants, bars, island events, and history & culture. A streamlined navigation allows visitors to easily explore, search, and plan their next trip to Nevis, based on their individual interests and desires.
For the culinary enthusiasts visiting our destination, we are excited to introduce new restaurants in the coming months, including the Nevitalia Ristorante, a fine dining experience with an unrivalled atmosphere and impeccable service. We will also be opening a new park on-island for locals to enjoy.
In your personal opinion, what should a traveller not leave Nevis without seeing, doing or eating?
Every traveller should visit the Nevis Hot Springs and try the Killer Bee Rum Punch at the Sunshine’s Beach Bar. Nevis has an abundance of geothermal energy, and for centuries, visitors to the island have enjoyed the hot springs at Bath Village, the first luxury hotel in the West Indies built in 1778. The Sunshine’s Beach Bar is the liveliest beach restaurant on the island and their signature drink is the Killer Bee Rum Punch. Finally, we encourage every visitor to not leave Nevis without making a Nevisian friend.
Is there anything else that’s important to get across?
Nevis’ authentic yet luxurious tourism offering combined with the easy going genuineness of its people makes it the world’s best kept secret, ready and waiting to be discovered.
Nevis’ “Around the Garden” tour offers visitors a fascinating window into the cultivation, as well as the nutritional aspects of the various fruits grown on the five-acre fruit farm, Cades Bay. The attraction showcases another distinct aspect of the destination, one that appeals to the growing culinary tourism market. This initiative also promotes local agriculture and positions Nevis as a destination focused on long-term food security and the destination’s commitment to sustainability.
Nevis is the place you wish you could come home to. We are ready to welcome you.
Five fun facts about Nevis
- During the 18th Century, Nevis was known as the “Queen of the Caribees” because its highly productive sugar plantations created significant wealth for the British. Twenty percent of the British Empire’s total sugar production in 1700 was derived from Nevisian plantations.
- Nevis is the birthplace and early childhood home of Alexander Hamilton.
- There are over 40 different varieties of mangoes.
- There are no fast food restaurants or traffic lights in Nevis.
- There have been over three movies shot in Nevis.
- Bath Hotel, built around 1778, is thought to be one of the first luxury hotels to be built in the Caribbean.
- Since the late 16th century, the island’s thermal springs have drawn visitors who swear to their therapeutic powers.
