Tourism officials in Basseterre are already forecasting losses for various sectors, especially hotels, given the closure of many US airports and the serious interruptions on Tuesday to air travel.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Doulas said that they already have had American Airlines flights cancelled out of New York and some from Miami.

He added that over the years the federation has relied on the eastern coast area of the United States for a lot of tourists, and he was of the pinion that tourism definitely will be impacted. Some of the bookings for the new tourist season he opined may be affected.

“What we have to do is sit down and put our heads together and try to devise a way in which we can ensure we can have our destination properly marketed and promoted, so that many others from other areas may be able to come,” said Douglas.

He added that the federation has to be very proactive and begin some serious planning for other areas from the US so that tourists can come from those areas not affected by the terrible storm.

Douglas has also expressed sympathy to the United States of America on the extensive damage and loss of lives following the passage of Hurricane Sandy.

“As the Government and the People of the United States of America respond at this very moment to the effects of the mega storm Sandy, we ask you, Ambassador to convey through your Secretary of State, Mrs. Hilary Clinton, our deep condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives,” said Prime Minster Douglas. Douglas at that time was speaking at a handing over ceremony at the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard base, where US Ambassador assigned to St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Larry palmer was also present.

He commended the brave response of the Government of the United States and its People in moving expeditiously to restore normalcy to the north-eastern seaboard.