St. Kitts Reports Strong Tourism Growth In 2025; Six Per Cent Rise in Arrivals

Source: Erasmus Williams FB
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, January 30, 2026 — St. Kitts closed out 2025 with strong tourism performance, strategic marketing execution, and increased global visibility, reinforcing the destination’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling and in-demand locations, according to reports in Open Jaw, Travel Market Report, and PAX News.

Guided by collaboration across the public and private sectors, the year reflected meaningful progress in arrival growth, brand awareness, and traveller engagement—setting the stage for continued momentum in 2026.

Increased Arrivals

St. Kitts recorded a total of 168,838 arrivals in 2025, representing a 6.0 per cent increase compared to 2024. Performance was particularly strong during the first four months of the year, with January through April outperforming expectations and signaling sustained demand across key source markets. Total air capacity also increased year over year, reflecting growing confidence in the destination and expanded opportunities for travelers to access the island.

“2025 was a defining year for St. Kitts—one that demonstrated the power of strategic planning, collaboration, and resilience,” said the Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism. “The growth we experienced is not just about numbers, but about creating opportunity for our people, strengthening our tourism ecosystem, and positioning St. Kitts for long-term, sustainable success.”

Key Marketing Wins

In 2025, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority implemented a series of marketing initiatives designed to elevate global visibility, strengthen regional outreach, and engage travelers across multiple touchpoints.

Three major campaigns were executed:

Adventure, highlighting St. Kitts as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers
Summer Unscripted, showcasing a dynamic lineup of events, activities, and seasonal offers
Do Not Disturb, the destination’s global romance campaign positioning St. Kitts as the ultimate escape for couples seeking intimate, luxurious, and meaningful experiences

Awards and Recognitions

St. Kitts captured the attention of the global travel industry, earning multiple awards and recognitions in 2025 and early 2026, including:

* PATWA: Woman Tourism Minister of the Year – Caribbean
* CTO: Woman Minister of Tourism
* PATWA: Destination of the Year for Hidden Treasures
* Caribbean Journal: Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year (CEO Kelly Fontenelle)
* Caribbean Journal: Sustainable Destination of the Year

Media Reach and Visibility

Global media initiatives in 2025 achieved a total reach of more than 5.7 billion, significantly enhancing brand visibility and engagement across multiple platforms.

Broadcast efforts included the execution of St. Kitts Week on NBC 6, featuring a full week of in-show integrations, as well as a U.S. Satellite Media Tour with interviews highlighting the destination’s romance offerings.

The destination also partnered with Chelsea and England footballer Cole Palmer on a high-profile public relations initiative tied to his first visit to St. Kitts—the birthplace of his grandfather—in July 2025.

Additionally, St. Kitts collaborated with Canadian fine jewellery brand bluboho, which launched the *Safe Travels, Wild Heart collection, celebrating travel and the beauty of exploring St. Kitts. These initiatives further amplified media attention and strengthened the island’s international profile.

Additional advancements included the launch of the island’s new digital eTA entry system and the introduction of St. Kitts’ first-ever Travel Advisor Board, designed to deepen relationships with the travel advisor community and inform future tourism strategy.

Hotel Sector Performance

Hotels recorded positive momentum in 2025, reflecting strengthening demand across the destination. Reporting properties experienced an overall upward trend in year-over-year occupancy, reinforcing St. Kitts’ continued evolution as a year-round destination and supporting sustained confidence across the accommodation sector heading into 2026.

“Hotel performance in 2025 reflects growing demand for St. Kitts across key travel periods,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Occupancy gains demonstrate the impact of our marketing efforts and improved air access, positioning St. Kitts for continued growth in 2026.”

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of 2025, St. Kitts has outlined clear objectives for the year ahead. In 2026, the destination aims to:

Increase total arrivals by 10 per cent
Expand marketing efforts beyond geographic targeting to include niche audiences and additional strategic partnerships
Continue strengthening relationships across the Caribbean to support shared growth and regional collaboration

With a strong foundation in place, St. Kitts enters 2026 with confidence—focused on delivering authentic experiences, elevating its global profile, and ensuring tourism continues to benefit communities across the island.

Getting to St. Kitts

Reaching St. Kitts is simple and convenient, with nonstop flights from major international cities. Travelers can fly with American Airlines from Charlotte (CLT), New York (JFK), and Miami (MIA); Delta from Atlanta (ATL) and New York (JFK); JetBlue from New York (JFK); United Airlines from Newark (EWR); Air Canada from Toronto (YYZ); and British Airways from London (LGW).

Visitors are encouraged to regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority website for updates and information.