Minister of Tourism, Marsha Henderson, on Monday, 27th October, unveiled the government’s strategic tourism outlook for the 2025–2026 season, celebrating record growth in arrivals and setting out a forward-looking agenda focused on resilience, sustainability, and innovation
Speaking at the Tourism Stakeholders Meeting, Minister Henderson outlined three central objectives guiding the sector’s development — to build a resilient tourism industry, promote year-round visitation, and ensure sustainable growth rooted in community leadership.
“At the start of this year, we set forth three core objectives,” she said. “To build a tourism sector that is resilient, capable of weathering external shocks; to promote year-round visitation that reduces our vulnerability to seasonal swings; and to ensure that growth is sustainable and community-driven.”
The Minister reported strong performance across several key indicators. “We recorded an 18 percent increase in seat capacity, a 10 percent increase in visitor arrivals between January and September 2025, and a 29 percent increase in cruise arrivals,” she announced. “Cruise visitor spending also rose from USD $135 to USD $145 per passenger — clear signs that our strategies are working.”
She noted that the achievements reflect close coordination between the Ministry of Tourism and its partner agencies under the Sustainable Island State Agenda, ensuring tourism continues to drive inclusive growth across St. Kitts and Nevis.
“We are not merely selling a destination,” Minister Henderson said. “We are inviting travellers to become part of our story.”
Among the year’s highlights, the Minister pointed to the successful hosting of one of the largest St. Kitts Music Festivals in history, the launch of the new airport Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and the introduction of the St. Kitts and Nevis livery by Caribbean Airlines. Other notable accomplishments included the expansion of the diaspora engagement programme in Canada and New York and global recognition with multiple international awards, including Caribbean Adventure Destination of the Year and Caribbean Cruise Destination of the Year by Caribbean Journal.
Henderson also outlined the government’s market strategies for continued growth, noting increased focus on Canada, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, and the United States. “Earlier this month, St. Kitts ranked second in travel searches by Canadians — a 170 percent increase according to Skyscanner,” she revealed. “Our multifaceted strategy combines trade engagements, brand partnerships, and direct consumer marketing to ensure St. Kitts remains top of mind in key markets.”
Among the strategic developments announced was an update to the National Tourism Strategy through 2026, new digital tools for stakeholder engagement, and expanded policy and legislative frameworks to support all areas of tourism — from wellness and agri-tourism to yachting and cultural enterprises.
“In 2026, we will introduce a comprehensive digital platform for tourism stakeholders, beginning with taxi and tour operators, to facilitate online registration, licensing, compliance monitoring, and data collection,” Minister Henderson said. “This is a key step toward greater transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business.”
She also confirmed that discussions continue toward homeporting services with P&O Cruises, which could see St. Kitts become a key embarkation point for Caribbean itineraries beginning in 2027. “Homeporting will enable a fly-cruise experience from the UK directly to St. Kitts,” she explained. “It represents a major step forward in infrastructure development, increased airlift, and deeper integration of local businesses into the tourism value chain.”
Looking ahead, Minister Henderson reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to sustainable and authentic tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and residents. “Let us ensure that every visitor feels warmth, kindness, and Kittitian and Nevisian pride,” she urged. “Our goal is to leave them not just as travellers, but as ambassadors.”
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