Tourism has been identified as a strategic sector for stimulating economic growth and development on St. Kitts. The Government, in collaboration with the private sector, has been investing millions of dollars to develop the tourism sector through infrastructural development and investment in marketing. Tourism, which has experienced significant growth since the closure of the sugar industry in July 2005, and which complements other growth sectors such as financial services, agriculture, offshore education and information technology, is a key contributor to the Gross Domestic Product, foreign exchange earnings and employment generation in the Federation.
Renowned for its natural beauty, its warm, hospitable people and rich history and culture, St. Kitts entices many visitors to its shores. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise sector grew steadily at an impressive rate, surpassing one million cruise passenger arrivals in the 2017/2018 season. This was the first time in the island’s history that cruise arrivals surpassed the million-mile mark, granting it marquee port status by the cruise lines. The country is the only destination in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to achieve this status, typically only enjoyed by much larger islands. In terms of spend, preliminary findings from the FCCA BREA study on the economic impact of cruise tourism for 2017-2018 ranked St. Kitts as having the third highest cruise passenger spend in the Caribbean, behind only Sint Maarten and the British Virgin Islands. This provides significant impact to our economy as cruise passengers spend money for tours, in shops and on dining. Following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Kitts has seen an increase in cruise calls and inaugurals at Port Zante. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the maiden cruise calls to St. Kitts as they reflect the ongoing expansion of the sector and cruise-line partnerships. The increase in cruise calls to the destination also provides a significant economic boost for industry stakeholders.
In terms of hotel development, investments are being made by a significant number of properties to improve the built environment and market their products more vigorously, while new developments are progressing toward completion to increase available room stock across the island. Opened in November 2017, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts is the brand’s first and only property in the Caribbean, elevating the destination’s profile in the public eye. It has earned distinctions such as Best New Caribbean Hotel by CNN Travel and rankings among the Best New Hotels in the World by Town & Country. Recent builds across the island include the luxe, environmentally-friendly Sunset Reef, KOI Resort St. Kitts, and Ramada by Wyndham St. Kitts.
The Government has negotiated with major airlines to ensure that there is convenient airlift from the major source markets of the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean. Connectivity to the island continues to increase, and airlift and air passenger arrivals are trending up. The launch of direct service on interCaribbean Airways from Barbados is not only going to increase travel from Barbados but also is a key element in rebuilding intra-regional travel to the destination. We have seen the return of American Airlines’ double daily flights on Saturdays, Winair continuing with double daily flights between Sint Maarten and St. Kitts, and LIAT has increased their schedule between Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts. There are now five roundtrips a week. Further, we saw the return of weekly Saturday flights on Air Canada (Toronto to St. Kitts) as well as weekly Wednesday and Saturday flights on British Airways (London to St. Kitts).
St. Kitts has no shortage of activities to engage the interests of every visitor. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is gearing up for 2023’s “Summer of Fun,” with innovative programming, thrilling sporting events, and a star-studded music festival on the horizon. It will feature the destination’s culture, music and adventure suited for every traveler.
Added to the annual festival schedule is a new initiative—Kittitian RumMaster. Led by two of St. Kitts’ prestigious rum experts, the Kittitian RumMaster program invites travelers to deep-dive into the history of rum and distilling rum, gain hands-on experience in creating spiced rum, and the methodology of creating rum-based cocktails. The immersive experience is designed for rum aficionados and visitors wanting to learn more about the spirit and combines the expertise of proprietors at Spice Mill and Old Road Rum Company.
Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards—2023’s Caribbean Destination of the Year
2022
World Culinary Awards, Caribbean’s World Culinary Awards—The Caribbean’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 2022 (Stone Barn at Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour)
2022
World Travel Awards—Caribbean’s Leading Dive Destination 2022
2022
Caribbean Journal’s Traveler’s Choice Awards 2022—Best Caribbean Hiking Destination
2022
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards 2022—Caribbean-Overall Destinations—Adventure Destination
2022
Conde Nast Traveler 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards—Top Caribbean Island in the World (St. Kitts received a top spot on the list, showcasing Belle Mont Farm)
2022
Porthole Cruise and Travel Readers’ Choice Awards 2022—The Best Caribbean Beach Port 2022
2022
2022 WOWSA World Top 100 Open Water Swimming Event – Cross Channel Swim
Just a few pointers on why St. Kitts is well positioned in the region for providing a rich visitor experience.
At SKIPA, we provide one-stop-shop services to both local and foreign investors by providing them with information about how to go about getting their businesses started. These include but are not limited to assisting with requests and approvals for tax concessions. Additionally, we promote St. Kitts as an ideal place to invest as well as to provide aftercare services to businesses that have already been established.
Please join our newsletter to be kept up to date on the various opportunities and advancements occuring in our lovely federation.
Produced & Powered by eCaribbean
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
Caribbean Destination of the Year
2023