IMF Reports Stay-Over Arrivals to St. Kitts and Nevis Have Surpassed Pre-Pandemic Levels
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, May 8 2026 (PMO) — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported that stay-over arrivals to St. Kitts and Nevis have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels, underscoring renewed international confidence in the Federation’s tourism industry and broader economic outlook.
In its 2026 Article IV Staff Report on St. Kitts and Nevis, the IMF stated that “Stay-over tourist arrivals have exceeded pre-pandemic levels,” while further noting that “cruise arrivals have continued to recover gradually.”
The IMF’s findings represent another strong endorsement of the continued recovery, resilience and expansion of the tourism sector under the Drew-led administration, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, rising transportation costs and broader uncertainty affecting the global travel industry.
The report also referenced “the continued expansion of tourism activities” and described tourism activity within the Federation as “resilient,” reflecting growing confidence in St. Kitts and Nevis as a destination for travel, investment and international engagement.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has, over the past several years, pursued an aggressive strategy focused on increasing destination visibility, strengthening international partnerships, improving infrastructure, expanding cultural and heritage tourism offerings, and diversifying the tourism product beyond traditional sun, sea and sand experiences.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon.Dr. Terrance Drew, the Federation has significantly increased its international visibility and diplomatic engagement through strategic participation in regional and global initiatives. This has included St. Kitts and Nevis’ hosting of the historic 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM earlier this year, as well as the Prime Minister’s active role as Chairman of CARICOM, which has further elevated the Federation’s profile across the region and internationally.
The country has also expanded its presence within emerging global markets through participation in major international engagements such as the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit in Nigeria and strengthened diplomatic and investment cooperation across Africa and the Caribbean, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as an increasingly connected and globally engaged destination.
At the same time, the Government continues to support efforts aimed at enhancing and diversifying the local tourism product through investments in community tourism, cultural tourism, heritage preservation, sports tourism and the creative economy.
Community festivals and cultural celebrations, including the longstanding Green Valley Festival in Cayon, continue to play an important role in showcasing the country’s culture, strengthening community pride and enhancing visitor experiences. Additionally, plans surrounding the redevelopment of Fort Thomas and the establishment of the Symbol of Love Museum are expected to further expand the Federation’s heritage tourism offerings while preserving important aspects of the nation’s history and identity.
The Government has also continued investments in airport, road and public infrastructure improvements designed to support economic activity, improve visitor accessibility and strengthen the overall tourism experience throughout the Federation.
In the area of entertainment and the creative economy, the Government recently announced a partnership agreement with Natives Filmworks that is expected to bring major film production activity to St. Kitts and Nevis, while creating opportunities for local creatives, technical personnel and young people interested in the growing global film industry.
Efforts also continue toward expanding opportunities within the yachting and marina sectors as part of broader plans to diversify tourism offerings and attract higher-value tourism activity to the Federation.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to building a modern, sustainable and diversified tourism industry capable of creating jobs, generating economic opportunity and strengthening long-term national development.
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