Basseterre, St. Kitts (01 August 2024) — The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is thrilled to announce the dynamic array of tourism activities and events that have taken place throughout July 2024, showcasing the vibrant and culturally rich destination of St. Kitts. From youth engagements to culinary extravaganzas, the island has witnessed an exciting month of celebrations and competitions, drawing both local and international attention.
One of the highlights of the month was the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Youth Congress 2024. This prestigious event celebrated the innovative ideas and presentations of young minds in the tourism sector. Khari Gonsalves from Basseterre High School emerged as the winner, while Ethan Caines from Verchilds High School secured the first runner-up position, and Mayté Connor from Washington Archibald High School took the second runner-up spot. Their remarkable contributions underscore the future potential of St. Kitts’ tourism industry. Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, commented, “The creativity and enthusiasm demonstrated by our young participants reflect the promising future of St. Kitts’ tourism. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their contributions to our industry.”
St. Kitts Nevis Restaurant Week, held from July 11-21, captivated food enthusiasts with a series of delectable events. Themed around the versatile papaya, the week featured diverse activities, including Cook, Sip, & Glamp, St. Kitts Tasting Showcase, Grill Fest, Carambola’s Flavours of Papaya, Nevis’ All-White Moonlight Promenade, Nevis’ Papaya Carnival, and Tastes At Twilight. The overwhelming support from the general public towards local restaurants and these events was a testament to the thriving culinary scene in St. Kitts and Nevis. Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, noted, “The success of Restaurant Week highlights the vibrant culinary culture of our islands. The community’s enthusiastic participation and the delicious creations inspired by papaya have made this week truly memorable.”
Renowned New York-based chef, author, and restaurant owner Nadege Fleurimond was hosted on the island for Restaurant Week. Her presence provided a unique opportunity to highlight the destination’s culinary offerings to her expansive audience. Fleurimond spearheaded the Griller’s Workshop at Grill Fest, equipping local grillers with invaluable culinary knowledge to enhance their businesses. She also participated in the Restaurant Week’s finale event, Tastes At Twilight, where she was one of the chefs preparing the evening’s exquisite dishes.
The highly anticipated Grill Fest took place on July 20, 2024, at the Frigate Bay Lawn, drawing food lovers from near and far. The competition showcased exceptional grilling talent across various categories. In the Chicken Category, Cleavon Chumney won first place, followed by Kyla Huggins in second. The Fish Category saw Shiniqua Cannonier take the top spot, with Dalton Jeffers as runner-up. Cleon Francis triumphed in the Pork Category, with Damian Whyte coming in second. Lastly, the Lobster Category was won by Amour Ritchen, with Karim Maynard securing second place. These talented grillers demonstrated their culinary prowess, contributing to the event’s success.
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority also had the pleasure of hosting Ashley Nesbit, a prominent influencer from Charlotte with 102.4k followers on Instagram and 71.6k subscribers on YouTube. Nesbit’s content, focused on travel and food, provided extensive exposure for St. Kitts. Her visit significantly boosted the island’s visibility among her followers, enhancing the destination’s appeal as a must-visit locale for travel enthusiasts.
The month of July 2024 has been a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving tourism landscape of St. Kitts. With an array of engaging events, international collaborations, and the active participation of the local community, St. Kitts continues to position itself as a premier destination in the Caribbean. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority looks forward to more exciting developments and welcomes visitors to experience the island’s unique charm and hospitality
