Published 5 February 2024
Basseterre
Buckie Got It Media Source
St. Kitts Tourism Excels in January 2024, Showcasing Sustainable Success, Global Recognition, and Unforgettable Experiences
Basseterre, St. Kitts (05 February 2024) – The year 2024 has commenced on an incredible note for St. Kitts, with outstanding achievements, multiple inaugural cruise calls, and a significant focus on sustainable tourism. As the destination continues to prioritize collaboration and excellence, the Ministry of Tourism and St. Kitts Tourism Authority celebrate a series of successes that highlight the destination’s allure and global recognition.
St. Kitts greeted the New Year with open arms as it welcomed three prestigious cruise ships for their inaugural calls. Norwegian Viva, Valiant Lady, and the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, embarked on unforgettable journeys to the destination’s shores. It was the arrival of Icon of The Seas on January 30th that truly captivated the attention of guests and locals.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, the arrival of the vessel piloted by the destination’s own Captain Ludell Harvey was live-streamed on various platforms reaching millions across the globe. The stream showcased the celebrations throughout the day including a Taste of St. Kitts’ event, offering a sensory immersion into Kittitian culture. The event showcased the vibrant folklore, authentic cuisine, and soulful melodies that define the nation. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, expressed her delight, stating, “The Taste of St. Kitts event was a splendid celebration of our rich heritage and a wonderful opportunity to share our warm hospitality with visitors from around the world.”
Demonstrating a joint commitment to sustainable tourism, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority also partnered with P&O Cruises for a remarkable initiative. The collaboration focused on cleaning up Irish Town Bay, underscoring the Authority’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of St. Kitts and protecting its delicate ecosystem. CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, emphasized, “Our collaboration with P&O Cruises highlights the shared responsibility we have in ensuring the sustainability of St. Kitts’ tourism sector. Together, we are striving to create a future where visitors can enjoy our pristine environment for generations to come.”
St. Kitts proudly earned accolades in two distinguished publications. Conde Nast Traveler recognized St. Kitts as one of the best Caribbean destinations to visit in 2024, affirming the team’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences to guests. Furthermore, National Geographic highlighted Liamuiga Natural Farms as a must-visit cultural spot in 2024, drawing attention to the unique and captivating offerings of St. Kitts. These recognitions reaffirm the St. Kitts’ status as a diverse travel destination.
Representatives from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority continued to champion their marketing mission by attending Travel and Adventure shows in Chicago, Denver, New York, and Los Angeles. Through these engagements, the team had the opportunity to showcase the destination’s rich culture, diverse attractions, and accommodations to a vast audience of prospective visitors. The exposure garnered from these shows will undoubtedly generate increased interest and visitor numbers in the coming months.
A highlight of January 2024 was the appearance of Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, on PIX11 New York. During the interview, she highlighted the beauty and limitless possibilities that St. Kitts offers to visitors worldwide. Her eloquent representation of the destination struck a chord with the international audience, inspiring them to immerse themselves in the unparalleled experiences that await them on the island.
Under the visionary leadership of Minister Henderson, and in coordination with representatives from St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority, Urban Development Corporation, and Frigate Bay Corporation, an interagency meeting was held to fortify collaboration and discuss collective efforts for the advancement of the tourism sector and its sustainable development.
As January draws to a close, we reflect on the exceptional progress and outstanding achievements that have characterized the start of this year. St. Kitts remains firmly committed to providing extraordinary experiences, promoting sustainable tourism, and positioning itself as a world-class destination. The Authority looks forward to a year filled with adventure, relaxation, and the warm hospitality that is synonymous with St. Kitts.
