St. Kitts reports 6% rise in arrivals in 2025, outlines 2026 targets

St. Kitts closed out 2025 with increased arrivals, expanded air capacity, and a slate of marketing and media initiatives aimed at boosting global visibility, according to the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.

St. Kitts recorded 168,838 total arrivals in 2025, a 6.0 per cent increase compared to 2024. 

Results were strongest in the first four months of the year, with January through April outperforming expectations. 

Total air capacity also increased year over year, reflecting expanded access to the island.

“2025 was a defining year for St. Kitts—one that demonstrated the power of strategic planning, collaboration and resilience,” said Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, minister of tourism. 

“The growth we experienced is not just about numbers, but about creating opportunity for our people, strengthening our tourism ecosystem and positioning St. Kitts for long-term, sustainable success.”

The Tourism Authority said it executed three major campaigns in 2025: Adventure, Summer Unscripted and Do Not Disturb (its global romance campaign).

St. Kitts also cited multiple awards and recognitions in 2025 and early 2026, including: PATWA: Woman Tourism Minister of the Year – Caribbean; CTO: Woman Minister of Tourism; PATWA: Destination of the Year for Hidden Treasures; Caribbean Journal: Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year (CEO Kelly Fontenelle); and Caribbean Journal: Sustainable Destination of the Year.

The destination said a global media initiative in 2025 generated 5.7+ billion in reach, including St. Kitts Week on NBC 6 and a U.S. Satellite Media Tour focused on romance travel. 

It also partnered with Chelsea and England footballer Cole Palmer on a PR initiative tied to his first visit to St. Kitts—the birthplace of his grandfather—in July 2025. 

Another partnership included Canadian fine jewelry brand bluboho, which launched the safe travels, wild heart collection celebrating travel and St. Kitts.

Additional updates included the launch of a new digital eTA entry system and the introduction of St. Kitts’ first-ever Travel Advisor Board.

Across reporting properties, hotels showed an overall upward trend in year-over-year occupancy performance in 2025, the destination said.

“Hotel performance in 2025 reflects growing demand for St. Kitts across key travel periods,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. 

“Occupancy gains demonstrate the impact of our marketing efforts and improved air access, positioning St. Kitts for continued growth in 2026.”

For 2026, St. Kitts said it aims to increase total arrivals by 10 per cent, expand marketing beyond geographic targeting to include niche audiences and partnerships, and continue strengthening regional relationships across the Caribbean.

Non-stop service is available on: American Airlines from Charlotte (CLT), New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA); Delta from Atlanta (ATL) and New York (JFK); JetBlue from New York (JFK); United from Newark (EWR); Air Canada from Toronto (YYZ); and British Airways from London (LGW).

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