BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — ST. Kitts and Nevis’ tourism sector continues to show strong performance, recording significant increases in both air and cruise arrivals as the government charts its course for 2026.
Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson confirmed the positive trends during a recent stakeholder engagement, noting double-digit increases in key indicators.
"Some of our headline accomplishments include an 18% increase in seat capacity, a 10% increase in visitor arrivals during the period January to September 2025, cruise arrivals up by 29% over the previous season, and cruise visitor spend from US $135 to US $145 per passenger. Accessibility is at the core of tourism growth,” Henderson said.
These figures come as the government and private sector prepare for the 2026 national budget, which will outline development priorities for the coming year.
Henderson described the stakeholder sessions as “meaningful opportunities to reflect on our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and sharpen our strategy as we set our sights on new goals.”
Tourism remains one of the main drivers of the Federation’s economy, generating significant benefits and activity across related industries. The minister noted that her team is dedicated to ensuring the sector remains the “engine of growth.”
At the start of this year, we set forth three core objectives for the industry. One, to build a tourism sector that is resilient, capable of weathering external shocks, and emerging stronger. Two, to promote year-round visitation, reducing the seasonal swings that leave us and the stakeholders vulnerable. And three, to ensure our tourism growth is sustainable, rooted in community leadership, not just as beneficiaries, but as partners.
“At the start of this year, we set forth three core objectives for the industry: to build a tourism sector that is resilient and capable of weathering external shocks... to promote year-round visitation, reducing seasonal swings... and to ensure our tourism growth is sustainable, rooted in community leadership — not just as beneficiaries, but as partners,” she explained.
According to Henderson, the ministry has been working to align its policies with this strategic vision.
“Our strategic focus includes the strategic alignment and policy direction. Over the past year, the Ministry has advanced the update of the National Tourism Strategy, setting the course for tourism development through 2026 and beyond,” she said.
“Through this renewed alignment, we are ensuring that tourism development remains sustainable, inclusive, and people-centred — balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility and community benefits. We continue to place emphasis on institutional coordination, creating the structures and communication pathways that allow the Ministry and its agency to operate as one. Joint planning sessions now align marketing efforts with airlift and infrastructure projects with product promotion, ensuring, of course, that we move in a cohesive, whole-of-government manner," she added.
The Ministry has also taken steps to professionalize the sector. Among them is the development of a Lifeguard Policy, which will establish a national framework for training, deployment, and certification across beaches to enhance visitor safety and confidence.
Additionally, legislative amendments are being prepared for the Prescribed Areas Act to broaden its scope to include all types of tourism-related businesses — from wellness and agritourism to yachting, culture, and experiential enterprises — ensuring all stakeholders are recognized and supported within the law.
Our focus on sustainability is being further strengthened through cross-ministerial collaborations, particularly with the Ministries of Environment, Public Infrastructure and Energy, to promote waste management, renewable energy adoption at our ports and sustainable coastal practises across tourism operations," noted Henderson.
The government plans to build on these achievements in 2026, as shifting global travel trends continue to shape the way visitors experience and engage with destinations.
