Minister of Tourism Leads Stakeholder Consultations on Tourism Industry Performance and Future Readiness

Basseterre, St. Kitts (18 June 2026) — Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, International Transport, Civil Aviation, Urban Development and Employment, has commenced a series of stakeholder engagement meetings aimed at reviewing the performance of the current cruise season and at preparing for the upcoming season.

The first meeting was held on 16 June 2026 at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club with members of the taxi fraternity. The session highlighted the successes of the 2025/2026 cruise season while providing an important platform for industry partners to receive updates on developments within the sector and share their perspectives on matters impacting the visitor experience.

Minister Henderson and her team engaged participants in discussions surrounding an impending Rainforest Tour Guides Policy, operational concerns, opportunities for product enhancement, and strategies to further strengthen the destination’s tourism offering. The consultations also provided valuable feedback from taxi operators, who remain among the tourism industry’s most important frontline ambassadors.

Additionally, the team provided insights into the destination’s performance to date citing the strongest cruise arrivals post 2019 and a robust summer schedule.

“Tourism continues to be the backbone of our economy.  As we look towards the future it is critical that we focus on increasing benefits of tourism through the engagement of our communities and increase spend to drive growth in our economy.”  said Minister Henderson.

The Minister was joined by Ms. Tivanna Wharton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism; Ms. Kelly Fontenelle, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority; and Mrs. Melnecia Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

Also participating in the discussions were representatives from key tourism and development agencies, including the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), the Frigate Bay Development Corporation, and the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

Minister Henderson emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, noting that the Government remains committed to ensuring that the tourism sector continues to create meaningful opportunities for local businesses and residents while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The stakeholder consultation series will continue over the coming weeks with additional tourism partners as the Ministry and its agencies work collaboratively to position St. Kitts for another successful tourism season.

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