Basseterre, St. Kitts – St. Kitts continues to shimmer in the spotlight as one of the Caribbean’s most coveted destinations with a range of exciting developments in November 2023. From the arrival of JetBlue to successful tourism awareness events, global brand recognition, and high-profile press trips, St. Kitts Tourism continues to thrive.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Marsha T. Henderson commented on the progress, stating, “November was a very memorable month for St. Kitts, which showcased our continued growth and development in the tourism industry. We remain committed to providing an excellent experience for our visitors and promoting sustainable tourism practices.”
One significant milestone was the arrival of JetBlue on 02 November 2023, marked by a grand welcome ceremony at the Kayan Jet Lounge. The inaugural flight solidified St. Kitts’ reputation as a leading Caribbean destination. CEO Ellison “Tommy” Thompson spoke highly of this achievement, exclaiming, “This is a game-changer for St. Kitts!”
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority celebrated its 20th anniversary Gala on 04 November at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Plaza. This event not only commemorated two decades of accomplishments but also honored the trailblazers who have contributed to the advancement of tourism in St. Kitts.
As the destination continued to celebrate Tourism Awareness Month, the Ministry of Tourism hosted various events to promote sustainable and community tourism. These included the Plastic Free Infocade and Bottle Drive, Black Sand Sunset Tour and Strip Launch, and Tourism Fest. These initiatives aligned with the Ministry’s commitment to propel sustainable tourism in St. Kitts.
Furthermore, St. Kitts gained global brand recognition through its appearance on the renowned U.S. television game show, Wheel of Fortune. Contestants had the chance to compete for a unique prize courtesy of the Tourism Authority, amplifying the destination’s visibility.
St. Kitts also took the spotlight and shined as the only Caribbean destination to be featured in Afar’s Magazine’s illustrious list of the “25 Most Exciting Places Around The World To Visit Next”. As St. Kitts takes its rightful place amongst the crème de la crème of global travel destinations, we stand proud in this moment knowing that our stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality have earned us a well-deserved spot on the world stage. Link: https://bit.ly/3uDfD8I
In addition to these accomplishments, St. Kitts saw notable progress in the cruise sector. Permanent Secretary Tivanna Wharton led a delegation to the FCCA Conference in Mazatlan, Mexico, where strategic meetings and workshops took place to identify avenues for expansion and growth. The island also welcomed several new inaugural cruise calls in November 2023 from vessels such as Disney Dream, Explora I, Marella Voyager, MS Europa 2, and Le Bellot, reinforcing the sector’s significant growth.
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority also hosted two successful press trips as part of its global romance campaign and UK familiarization program. These trips included representatives from travel agencies such as British Airways Holidays, Hays Travel, Inspiring Travel Company, Sandbank Travel, Savvi Travel, Spirit Away Travel, The Sussex Travel Company, Worldspan Travel, World Bridge Magazine, Destination I Do, The Kit – Toronto Star, and Weddings & Honeymoon Magazine. These efforts further solidified St. Kitts as a top destination for romance and garnered significant media attention.
With these exciting developments and opportunities on the horizon, St. Kitts Tourism is positioned for even greater success in the future. As Minister Henderson confidently states, “We are dedicated to continuously elevating St. Kitts’ position as a premier Caribbean destination and will strive for excellence in all aspects of our tourism industry.”
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