St Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) continues to be a central pillar to the island’s ever-blossoming travel industry, proudly advocating and promoting this spectacular destination.
We catch up with Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, who updates us on how the authority continues to highlight the best the island has to offer travellers and showcase St Kitts on the world stage.
Firstly, how does SKTA continue to curate different experiences for travellers who want to see the best of the island?
Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism (HMTH): There are two ways this is achieved: through the itinerary planner on the Visit St Kitts website for stays ranging from 24 hours to seven days, and via annual advertising campaigns focused on niche activities.
This year, SKTA highlighted new or lesser-known offerings such as night kayaking and parasailing for couples, cacao ceremonies and moonlit sound therapy sessions for wellness enthusiasts, and self-drive 4×4 vehicle tours for families and groups to explore our mountains and rainforests.
How has the authority continued its efforts to increase airlift and cruise arrivals and ultimately grow brand visibility over the last 18 months?
HMTH: To increase airlift arrivals, we have prioritised training travel agents and promoting our St Kitts Rewards programme in all key source markets.
In October, our St Kitts Yourway (SKY) Programme was a Gold Winner at the 2025 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards in the ‘Hospitality – Overall Travel Advisor Support’ category. The award recognises the programme’s efforts in supporting travel advisors and helping them share the story of St Kitts with visitors through authentic storytelling and education.
To boost cruise arrivals, we are currently upgrading our port facilities to enable home porting, starting in winter 2026.
How would you say the tourism landscape has evolved in St Kitts over the last few years and how have you responded to these changes?
HMTH: Since 2022, the destination has seen year-on-year growth in both visitor and cruise arrivals.
We conduct surveys amongst our travellers and have noticed a shift from beaches to novel experiences as the reason for visiting St Kitts.
What makes St Kitts perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway in 2026?
HMTH: St Kitts is uncrowded and under-the-radar, yet easily reachable through many non-stop and direct flights from the US, Canada, and the UK.
Couples can turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’ as they dine at restaurants perched on cliffs and centuries-old ruins, hike along lush rainforest trails with a forest guide, or unwind at a hotel spa.
Surrounded by sweeping views of rolling mountain ranges and the sea, couples can reignite their romance in St Kitts.
What can adrenaline junkies get up to on the island?
HMTH: Land adventurers can hike Mount Liamuiga, our dormant volcano, zipline over the rainforest canopy, and go off-roading through the countryside and mountains, all of which offer breathtaking vistas. Sea lovers can also kitesurf, wing foil, sea cycle, and drive mini speedboats.
“Land adventurers can hike Mount Liamuiga, our dormant volcano, zipline over the rainforest canopy, and go off-roading through the countryside and mountains, all of which offer breathtaking vistas”
Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, St Kitts Tourism Authority
How can first-time travellers to St Kitts enjoy the cultural authenticity of the island?
HMTH: First-time travellers can enjoy the cultural and authentic aspects of the island through our local culinary offerings such as grilled lobster and fish at beach bars along The Strip in Frigate Bay, grilled meat offered along the main road, and traditional weekend delights, such as a cook-up – a mix of seasoned rice and variety of meat; goat water – a stew made of goat meat; and black pudding – a type of sausage.
On the St Kitts Scenic Railway, travellers can see the oldest passenger train in the Caribbean and intriguing masquerade dances accompanied by live playing of flutes and drums.
In what ways does SKTA continue to harness sustainable tourism and encourage travellers to protect St Kitts’ natural environment?
HMTH: The government recently signed a new agreement with Taiwan to develop a 50-megawatt land-based solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage plant that will promote industrial growth and boost energy resilience on the island.
The solar power plant, which harnesses sunlight to generate electricity, will feed directly into the national grid, reducing the island’s reliance on diesel and natural gas.
The rainforest in St Kitts, which covers about 25 percent of the island and has been protected since 1902, is expanding as it reclaims fields once used for sugarcane cultivation.
Finally, are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in St Kitts?
HMTH: Yes, I look forward to seeing the tourism industry evolve as St Kitts and Nevis works towards becoming a sustainable island state by 2040.
