Saint Kitts and Nevis Champions Community-Centered Heritage Tourism at OAS Tourism Congress

Washington, D.C., April 7, 2025 – The Organization of American States (OAS) recently hosted the Twenty-Sixth Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Authorities of Tourism, a two-day conference, at its Washington D.C. Headquarters under the theme, “Harnessing the Power of Heritage Tourism for Development in the Americas.”

Representing the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis was Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Tivanna Wharton, who delivered a compelling presentation centered on the role of heritage tourism in economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.

PS Wharton lauded the OAS for spotlighting micro and small tourism enterprises and community-based tourism models, recognizing these as vital components of inclusive economic growth. She emphasized Saint Kitts and Nevis’ wholehearted support of the Congress’s vision, affirming the Federation’s commitment to actively contribute to the implementation of the Plan of Action, offering best practices and lessons learned along the way.

“In Saint Kitts and Nevis, we view tourism not just as an industry,” stated PS Wharton. “Since 2022, under the leadership of Minister Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, we have reimagined tourism as a tool for empowerment. We have linked local entrepreneurs with cruise lines and industry stakeholders. We have hosted hands-on workshops to help vendors, artisans, and performers develop market-ready experiences”.

She further explained how local culture has become central to the visitor experience. “Now, when cruise ships dock in Basseterre, visitors are welcomed by the sights and sounds of our culture—masquerade dancers, steelpan music, handmade crafts, and traditional cuisine. Not as entertainment, but as economic opportunity for the people who carry the culture.”

PS Wharton painted a vivid picture of the nation’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting national treasures such as the Brimstone Hill National Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Old Road Rum Distillery, located beneath the world renowned Caribelle Batik. She extended a warm invitation to attendees to experience major cultural events like Sugar Mas, Culturama, Restaurant Week, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.

“These events don’t just celebrate heritage—they generate real income,” she said, noting that vendor marketplaces are structured to prioritize local businesses. “While international headliners may draw the crowds, it’s our communities that benefit at the grassroots level.”

PS Wharton also announced the upcoming launch of the Heart of the Community Incubator, an initiative aimed at empowering Afro-descendant communities through marketing support, small business grants, and mentorship. The program will offer specialized workshops on digital marketing and help connect local tourism enterprises to global markets.

During her presentation, she outlined several key policies already implemented in the Federation to support this vision, including tax incentives for small, locally owned businesses, protection of cultural heritage sites, and mechanisms to measure community-level impact.

Highlighting the results of a recent study conducted with Sustainable Travel International, PS Wharton shared that 77% of residents expressed a desire to play a greater role in shaping tourism. “We’ve heard them—and we’re responding with funding, training, and inclusion,” she declared.

In a show of regional solidarity, PS Wharton concluded her remarks by aligning Saint Kitts and Nevis with the broader OAS mission to uplift Afro-descendant heritage. “As we champion our Afro-descendant roots, we stand in unity with our OAS family—from the Brazilian quilombos, to the Maroon communities of Suriname, to the Gullah-Geechee culture in the United States, all of us striving to uplift our people by sharing our unique stories with the world.”

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