St. Kitts and Nevis spotlight tourism growth at CHTA Marketplace

Saint Kitts and Nevis highlighted tourism growth, cultural identity and sustainable luxury during Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 in Antigua.

The twin-island federation participated in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s event with meetings, media engagements and business appointments aimed at strengthening partnerships, increasing destination visibility and supporting continued tourism growth.

The event, hosted by CHTA in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, brought together more than 500 delegates from the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Latin America for meetings, networking events, media engagements and tourism discussions focused on the future of Caribbean travel and sustainable tourism.

Representing the Nevis Tourism Authority were CEO Andia Ravariere and director of MICE & VIP services Shelisia Glassford, alongside Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Danielle Weekes, business development manager for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

Hotel and tourism partners from both islands also joined the delegation, including Oualie Beach Resort and Montpelier Nevis from Nevis, as well as St. Kitts Scenic Escape, Timothy Beach Resort and Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort.

As part of the conference programming, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Nevis Tourism Authority hosted a joint press conference, sharing destination updates, tourism performance, new developments and future initiatives.

Music, food and culture in St. Kitts

During the presentation, Fontenelle highlighted St. Kitts’ focus on strengthening its cultural identity, expanding authentic visitor experiences and developing tourism through music, gastronomy and community-led programming.

Fontenelle also spotlighted the St. Kitts Music Festival, taking place this June. 

The festival, now approaching three decades, has helped shape the destination’s summer tourism season while drawing visitors from across the Caribbean and international markets.

“Platforms like CHTA Marketplace are invaluable to our growth strategy, providing us with direct access to travel trade partners and industry leaders who are essential in carrying our story to markets worldwide," said Fontenelle. 

"For St. Kitts, attending Marketplace offers the opportunity to nurture relationships, forge meaningful partnerships, and ensure that our destination stays top of mind for travellers seeking immersive and authentic Caribbean experiences."

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority also emphasized the growth of the island’s culinary offering, including the evolution of Restaurant Month into a broader island-wide culinary celebration throughout July.

The event integrates local chefs, agricultural producers and the island’s gastronomy into the visitor experience.

Nevis focuses on boutique luxury

Ravariere used the press conference to highlight Nevis’ positioning as a boutique luxury destination, with a focus on sustainability, wellness, heritage, authenticity and experiential travel.

“CHTA Marketplace continues to be an important platform for strengthening partnerships and elevating the visibility of our destination on a regional and global level,” said Ravariere. 

“Nevis is intentionally growing through a model rooted in value over volume, sustainability, and meaningful visitor experiences, and we were proud to share that vision alongside our partners from Saint Kitts.”

Ravariere described Nevis’ tourism approach as centred on “barefoot luxury,” combining natural beauty, Caribbean hospitality, boutique accommodations and cultural connection.

The Nevis Tourism Authority also pointed to the island’s historical, cultural and natural attractions, noting that the destination spans just 36 square miles.

Nevis highlighted several initiatives contributing to its international visibility, including the Nevis Mango Festival, which is entering its 12th year.

Originally created to encourage travel during the island’s slower summer season, the festival has grown into a Caribbean culinary event and will expand by an additional day in 2026 with a major culinary headliner.

Sustainability and heritage

Nevis also emphasized its work in sustainability and regenerative tourism, including renewable energy projects, turtle conservation and release programs, coral restoration and the island’s broader low-impact tourism strategy.

The destination also spotlighted Palm Garden Nevis, which recently transitioned to operating on 100 per cent solar energy.

Heritage tourism was also part of the destination’s messaging, particularly as the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.

Nevis, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, highlighted its Hamilton heritage experiences and broader historical offerings, including the Bath Hotel, recognized as the first hotel in the Caribbean. 

The property is currently undergoing restoration supported through U.S.-funded preservation efforts.

Wellness tourism was also positioned as a key pillar for Nevis, with the destination emphasizing its natural hot springs, wellness retreats, calm setting and nature-based approach to rejuvenation.

Ravariere also noted improving regional access to Nevis, including enhanced airlift through Winair’s service from St. Maarten and ferry connections via St. Kitts.

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