Published on February 3, 2026
In the ever-evolving landscape of Caribbean travel, standing still is the same as moving backward. Recognizing this, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has kicked off 2026 with a bold, high-energy offensive. Under the leadership of CEO Kelly Fontenelle and Minister of Tourism Marsha T. Henderson, the Authority has launched a series of strategic sales missions and market outreach programs specifically targeting Florida and Puerto Rico.
These missions are not just about brochures and business cards; they are a calculated move to secure St. Kitts’ position as the premier “authentic” destination for two of its most critical source markets. As the island aims for a 10% increase in arrivals this year, these regional hubs have become the front lines of the Kingdom’s tourism expansion.

Florida: The Gateway to the Heartbeat

Florida has long been the primary artery for travel to the Caribbean, serving as both a massive source of “drive-to-fly” passengers and the global capital of the cruise industry. The SKTA recently concluded a high-impact mission across the Sunshine State, focusing on Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.
The goal was clear: reinforce the island’s increased airlift. With American Airlines and JetBlue offering robust schedules from hubs like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the Authority met with top-tier travel advisors and tour operators to ensure St. Kitts remains “top of mind.”

Advertisement

But the outreach went beyond the boardrooms. The Authority engaged in experiential marketing, bringing the “Kittitian Heartbeat” to Floridian travel professionals through cultural showcases. By humanizing the destination—telling the stories of the island’s artisans, its farm-to-table culinary scene, and its lush rainforests—the SKTA is moving away from generic sun-and-sea marketing. They are selling an experience that resonates with the sophisticated Florida traveler who has “seen it all” and is now looking for something deeper.

Puerto Rico: Reclaiming a Regional Powerhouse

While the U.S. mainland is a vital market, the SKTA is also looking closer to home. Puerto Rico represents a unique opportunity for St. Kitts. As a major regional hub with deep cultural and historical ties to the Eastern Caribbean, San Juan is a critical point for both leisure travel and “multi-island” hopping.

Advertisement
Advertisement
The mission to Puerto Rico focused on strengthening air-linkages and cruise connectivity. By engaging with Puerto Rican travel wholesalers, the SKTA is positioning St. Kitts as a convenient, high-value getaway for the affluent San Juan market. The messaging here is distinct: it’s about the proximity and the shared Caribbean soul, but with a uniquely British-influenced charm that provides a refreshing contrast to the Spanish Caribbean.

A Strategy Driven by Data and “Human Capital”

The timing of these missions is no accident. Following a successful 2025—which saw a 6% rise in total arrivals—the St. Kitts Tourism Authority is using its momentum to tackle 2026 targets early.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Minister Marsha T. Henderson has been vocal about the fact that tourism growth must benefit the people of St. Kitts. These international missions are designed to fill hotel beds and cruise berths, but they also serve to create a stable, year-round economy for local taxi drivers, tour guides, and restaurant owners.
“2026 is about more than just numbers,” the Authority has signaled. “It’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where the growth we see in Florida and Puerto Rico translates into opportunities in Basseterre and beyond.”

Key Pillars of the 2026 Outreach:

• Cruise Integration: Collaborating with Florida-based cruise lines to increase “stay-over” interest among passengers who first discover the island via Port Zante.
• Airlift Advocacy: Constant dialogue with carriers like American and Delta to maintain and expand non-stop routes from Florida hubs.
• Travel Advisor Board: Utilizing a newly formed board of influential travel advisors to act as brand ambassadors within the high-end Florida market.
• Niche Targeting: Moving beyond broad geographic outreach to find niche audiences in Puerto Rico interested in “Hidden Treasures,” romance, and adventure tourism.

The “Summer of Fun” and Beyond

A major part of the outreach in these markets is the promotion of the 2026 “Summer of Fun” lineup. From the legendary St. Kitts Music Festival to the mouth-watering Restaurant Week and the high-energy Grillfest, the SKTA is giving travelers a reason to visit during what was once considered the “off-season.”
By showcasing these events to travel agents in Florida and Puerto Rico, the Authority is effectively smoothing out the tourism peaks and valleys, ensuring that the heartbeat of St. Kitts stays strong throughout the entire year.

Looking Forward

As the St. Kitts Tourism Authority continues its aggressive outreach, the results are already beginning to show. With 14.5 million airline seats secured for the region and a growing reputation for “authentic luxury,” the island is no longer the Caribbean’s best-kept secret—it is the region’s rising star.
For the traveler in Miami or the explorer in San Juan, the message from the SKTA is simple: St. Kitts is closer than you think, and its heart is beating faster than ever.

Advertisement
Tags: Caribbean Travel Trends 2026, Florida Travel Market, puerto rico tourism, St. Kitts tourism, St. Kitts Tourism Authority

I want to receive travel news and trade event updates from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World's Privacy Notice .
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tuesday, February 3, 2026

source