Source : Erasmus Williams FB
LONDON, ENGLAND – The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has teamed up with Cole Palmer of Chelsea F.C. and the England national football team to launch a marketing campaign aimed at boosting the island’s profile and reaching wider audiences.
As part of the partnership, travel agents will have the opportunity to win signed Chelsea football shirts through prize draws and sales-driven incentives throughout the year, according to travel writer Andrew McQuarrie.
Palmer, who visited St. Kitts last summer with his family, including his grandfather Sterry Palmer—who was born on the island—said he greatly enjoyed the experience.
“I loved spending time there, and I know others will fall in love with it too,” he said.
During the 23-year-old’s trip, his first visit to the island, Palmer explored St. Kitts by quad bike and enjoyed water sports and relaxation at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour.
The Palmer family also visited the village and home where Sterry Palmer was born in 1960, allowing them to reconnect with relatives he had not seen for more than 40 years.
A local youth football team also had a memorable moment when Palmer joined them for an informal kick-about.
The young football star proudly wears the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis—alongside the England flag—on his football boots to honour his Kittitian heritage.
“Getting to visit St Kitts for the first time last July with my family, especially my grandad, was really special,” Palmer said. “My grandad remembers it being really relaxed and chilled, and that’s exactly how I found it. We met the prime minister, went jet skiing, and enjoyed some amazing food.
“St Kitts means a lot to me and my family, and I’m really happy to be partnering with the tourism authority to help promote the island as a holiday destination.”
Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Kelly Fontenelle, said the island was buzzing with excitement following Palmer’s visit last summer.
“We were honoured to be part of such a meaningful moment for the Palmer family as Cole, his father, and grandfather explored their Kittitian heritage together,” she said.
“The publicity generated by his visit, combined with our advertising campaign and trade activity, will further strengthen St. Kitts’ presence in the UK market.
“We are grateful to Cole and his family for helping to showcase the many qualities that make our island so special—from our lush rainforests and dramatic mountain landscapes to our colourful beaches, rich culture, and cuisine.”