St. Kitts is celebrating a year of unprecedented growth in its tourism sector, marked by record-breaking visitor numbers, new flight routes, and significant achievements in cruise tourism.
During a recent press briefing, Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson highlighted these milestones, reflecting on the country’s steady trajectory toward becoming a thriving, year-round destination and a powerful economic driver for the local community.
Surging Visitor Arrivals Drive Sector Growth
By the close of September 2024, St. Kitts had welcomed 118,574 visitors, a 21.6% increase over the same period in 2023, which saw 97,460 arrivals. This substantial rise underscores the success of the island’s tourism strategies, focused on boosting both stay-over and cruise arrivals.
“St. Kitts is on an upward trajectory,” Minister Henderson stated, extending gratitude to the tourism team, industry stakeholders, and residents for their contributions to the sector’s ongoing success.
She expressed optimism for the upcoming winter season and anticipates even greater growth in 2025.
Enhanced Air Travel Connectivity Strengthens Accessibility
Among the year’s major achievements, new and expanded flight services are enhancing access to St. Kitts.
Cape Air will launch a new route from St. Thomas to St. Kitts on 7th December, offering four weekly flights and providing more options for visitors.
Additionally, Delta Air Lines will resume its popular non-stop service from JFK, running from 21st December 2024 through 26th April 2025, making travel from the U.S. East Coast easier than ever.
The island also celebrated the first anniversary of JetBlue’s service and American Airlines’ 20th consecutive year of non-stop service from Miami, both of which continue to be vital for St. Kitts’ connectivity and tourism appeal.
Cruise Tourism Achieves Record-Breaking Success
The 2023-2024 cruise season brought remarkable success, with St. Kitts welcoming 670,014 cruise passengers, each spending an average of $145, an increase from the $135 average in 2018.
According to a Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA) report, this spending places St. Kitts among the top ten Caribbean destinations for average visitor spending, ranking third in the region.
Projections for the 2024-2025 season are even more promising, with over one million cruise passengers expected from 391 scheduled cruise calls – a 22% increase over the previous season.
One of the highlights of the coming season will be the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas on 11th September 2025, marking St. Kitts’ first summer inaugural cruise call and a landmark in the island’s tourism history.
Building a Year-Round Destination
As St. Kitts embraces new flight routes, growing visitor arrivals, and record cruise tourism, it strengthens its position as a premier Caribbean destination. By enhancing accessibility and delivering exceptional visitor experiences, the nation is poised to establish itself as a sought-after, year-round retreat.
Minister Henderson underscored the commitment to this vision, “St. Kitts is on a path toward sustainable, resilient tourism that benefits our entire community.”
With its achievements in 2024 and exciting prospects for the future, St. Kitts’ tourism industry is on a solid foundation, driving economic prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Photo: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson celebrating with an American Airlines captain earlier this month as the Federation marked 20 years of nonstop airlift to Miami. This longstanding partnership has brought countless visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis’ shores, strengthening the nation’s tourism sector and connectivity.
Be the first to comment on "St. Kitts Tourism Soars with New Flights, Record Cruise Arrivals, and Economic Boosts"