Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has pledged its full support toward the revitalization of the St. Kitts & Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association (SKNHTA). This follows a strategic visit to the destination by CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma and CHTA President Sanovnik Destang, made at the invitation of St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) CEO, Kelly Fontenelle. CEO Fontenelle’s proactive outreach underscores a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of the local tourism industry by reestablishing a unified and empowered association that champions collaboration, representation, and sustainable growth across the sector.
The CHTA executives met with a small but engaged group of tourism and hospitality professionals to discuss the critical role a unified hotel and tourism association plays in driving sustainable growth and collaboration across the industry. The presentation emphasized the numerous benefits of having a strong, collective voice—ranging from advocacy, training opportunities, regional representation, and marketing support to crisis management and lobbying efforts.
Mr. Darren Thompson, General Manager, of Royal St. Kitts Hotel, has been instrumental in maintaining the association’s operations during this transitional period. “The Hospitality & Tourism industry is stronger with a collective voice from the private sector. It will take all of us coming together to influence change and make a difference,” stated Mr. Thompson.
Echoing this call for collaboration, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Kelly Fontenelle, emphasized the broader impact a revitalized association can have on the destination’s long-term success: “A vibrant, well-supported hotel and tourism association is the heartbeat of a thriving destination,” said Fontenelle. “By coming together under a unified banner, our industry can better advocate for its needs, seize regional opportunities, and build a more competitive and cohesive tourism product for St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Sanovnik Destang, CHTA President, further added, “It was a pleasure to visit St. Kitts and Nevis for the first time. Two truly magical destinations with a lot to offer. With the current geopolitical realignments, now more than ever, the hospitality and tourism private sector needs a singular voice in the form of a strong hospitality and tourism association. At CHTA, we are committed to assisting in revitalizing the SKNHTA.”
The visit marks an important first step in reinvigorating St. Kitts & Nevis’ hotel and tourism ecosystem. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Nevis Tourism Authority, along with its partners, remain committed to fostering greater collaboration across the sector and encourage all stakeholders to become active members of the revitalized association.
For further information on participation and membership, interested stakeholders are advised to contact Mr Darren Thompson, General Manager of the Royal St. Kitts Hotel, via email at darren@royalstkittshotel.com.