Tourism players recognized

Two players in the tourism industry have been recognized as the Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism kick off the observance of Tourism Month 2014.

Former Agricultural officer, Rodex Lander of Atkinson, received the 2014 Minister’s Award, while Ken Hinterland Adventure Tours and Taxi Service (KHATTS) was presented with the 2014 Director’s Award.

According to Head of Product Development, Cathleen Cuffy, KHATTS has been a long standing partner in the tour operations and ground handling sector.

KHATTS is a destination management company specializing in adventure activities and representation services for overseas-based tour operators and universities. It began its operations 20 years ago catering to the needs of various visitors to Dominica.

Cuffy added that the company has worked with numerous operators and agencies such as Thomas Cook, Trips Worldwide and Virgin Holidays in the UK, the Nature Conservancy and Caribbean Connections in the US, Air Canada Vacations and HP Nature Tours in Canada, Air Tours in Germany and Indigo tours in Holland.

In addition the company has also worked with local and regional hotels such as El Canario Hotel in Puerto Rico, the Fort Young Hotel, Castle Comfort Lodges, Evergreen, Anchorage Hotel, Sunset Bay and Papilotte Retreat in Dominica.

Speaking on behalf of the Company Ken Dill George said that he is grateful and thankful for the recognition.

“No company or any institution can stand alone and this award is not just for me but for the entire team of KHATTS who has been instrumental in the building of the organization and it is because of their tremendous contribution over the years why we have gotten the recognition over this period of time,” he said.

Meanwhile, minister for tourism and legal affairs Ian Douglas described Lander as passionate.

Lander started the development of his family’s property at Atkinson which eventually became known as Olive’s Guesthouse and included a craft shop, restaurant and bungalows.

Douglas revealed that Lander is very involved in community tourism and although now retired, he spends his time visiting schools in the northeast speaking to students about the importance of community tourism.

“He is very instrumental in securing funding for tourism groups particularly in the Northeast,” Douglas said. “He is an advocate for the development of tourism sites in Dominica in general on a community basis and last year he brought a number of resource persons to visit all of those tourism sites particularly in Atkinosn and throughout the entire north and northeast,”

Douglas also noted further that the growth of community tourism in Dominica is in part due to the steadfast resolve, and passion and commitment of Lander.