ST. KITTS TOURISM POWERS FORWARD IN Q1: STRONG GROWTH, EXPANDED AIRLIFT, AND JOINT PROGRESS ACROSS ALL SECTORS

The tourism industry in St. Kitts is surging ahead in 2025 (Quarter 1) with strong growth, expanded connectivity, elevated service delivery, and award-winning visibility. Guided by a renewed spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership, the Ministry of Tourism and its agencies are delivering tangible progress that is being felt across the destination—from airlift to cruise, from small business operators to international travelers.

Increased Arrivals

The first quarter of 2025 marked a high point for stayover arrivals, with 46,641 visitors welcomed, representing a 15% year-over-year increase and surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks. The momentum continued throughout the 2024–2025 peak season, which recorded 78,077 arrivals, outperforming previous years and reflecting growing demand for the St. Kitts experience.

In a major development for air connectivity, Air Canada has confirmed its return for the upcoming winter season, operating from November 15 to April 25 using a 201-seat Airbus A321—a significant upgrade from the 136-seat A319. This will deliver 65 additional seats weekly into St. Kitts from a key source market and speaks volumes about confidence in the destination’s tourism product.

We’re not just growing numbers—we’re building a tourism industry that is resilient, inclusive, and proudly Kittitian,” said the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism. “Together, with our public and private sector partners, we are raising the bar and raising our people. Every new flight, every satisfied visitor, every local business empowered—that is the future we are working toward.”

Cruise Sector on a Steady Climb

Cruise tourism continues to rebound with strength and strategy. From October 2024 to April 2025, 748,056 cruise passengers were welcomed to the island—an 8.4% increase over the previous season. The growth has been fueled by enhanced collaboration with cruise partners, robust itinerary development at major trade events like Seatrade Global, and the consistent delivery of a visitor experience that blends warmth, efficiency, and cultural authenticity.

Infrastructure improvements at the cruise terminal and throughout Port Zante—including security upgrades, cleaner walkways, and enhanced signage—are ensuring that every arrival is greeted with a sense of pride and purpose. Monthly Local Cultural Explosion events continue to bring the best of Kittitian music, food, art, and talent to the forefront, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and memorable.

Key Marketing Wins

St. Kitts’ visibility on the global stage has never been stronger. Bold marketing activations in the United States—spanning Times Square, Miami, New York, Atlanta, and major airports—have captured the attention of millions. In the United Kingdom, branded double-decker buses and expansive train station ads are keeping the destination front-of-mind in one of its fastest-growing markets.

A revitalized content strategy, anchored by local storytellers and creatives, has driven a 314% increase in social media engagement, while recent campaigns have delivered over 1.1 billion media impressions in the U.S. and 191 million in the U.K. Features in The Independent, TTG Media, and others have spotlighted St. Kitts as a haven for adventure, cuisine, and culture.

“We’ve embraced a more authentic, targeted, and impactful marketing approach—one that centers our people and tells real stories,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “The results speak for themselves. From a bold presence in Times Square to travel agent activations across North America and Europe, we are making St. Kitts impossible to ignore.”

The Summer Unscripted campaign has been launched to drive flexible, last-minute travel for the summer months. Meanwhile, the Diaspora Campaign , launching in Canada this May at ANSA Reunion, will invite nationals and descendants to return home, reunite with family, and serve as ambassadors for the destination. St. Kitts is also preparing for a media launch of Sugar Mas 2025 in New York during CTO Week in June—positioning the Carnival season as a globally enticing cultural product.

The St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) continues to deliver critical upgrades to airport operations, including the implementation of the Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) system, new baggage screening technology, and enhancements to passenger comfort. Staff training is ongoing to ensure international standards are consistently met.

Meanwhile, the St. Kitts Urban Development Corporation (SKUDC) is driving visible transformation at Port Zante. From sustainable design elements and restored infrastructure to improved security systems and creative vendor spaces, SKUDC is redefining how visitors and locals interact with the island’s most visited hub.

Global Recognition

St. Kitts has captured the attention of the global travel industry, earning multiple accolades thus far in 2025:

• Caribbean Cruise Destination of the Year – Caribbean Journal
• Caribbean Adventure Destination of the Year – Caribbean Journal
• Destination of the Year (Hidden Treasure) – PATWA International Travel Awards
• Woman Tourism Minister of the Year (Caribbean), Hon. Marsha T. Henderson – PATWA International Travel Awards
• Nominated in four categories in the World Travel Awards, including Caribbean’s Leading Cultural Destination and Leading Tourist Board

These recognitions underscore the impact of a strong national effort—one that is propelling St. Kitts to the top of travel wish lists across the globe.

From community development and infrastructure upgrades to bold marketing and increased arrivals, the entire sector is moving forward together. The Ministry of Tourism reaffirms its commitment to building a world-class destination rooted in authenticity, powered by its people, and driven by a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.