SKTA Engages Key Partners at SMART and Champions Heritage Tourism at OAS Congress

by Kevon Browne

St. Kitts Tourism Authority at SMART 2025

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—The St. Kitts Tourism Authority continues its push to solidify the island’s position as a premier Caribbean destination. Ms. Drunisha Hanley, Caribbean Marketing Officer at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA), participated in the St. Martin’s Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) from March 31 to April 4, 2025.

The event provided a crucial business-to-business platform, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of insights among travel agents, tour operators, and global vendors within the tourism sector.

According to the SKTA, Hanley engaged with several influential tour operators and vendors, including Copa Airlines, JetBlue Vacations, Air Canada Vacations, Hotelbeds USA Inc., Cruise Planners, Lamb Luxury Travel, and Hopscotch Tourism Netherlands.

These interactions served as a springboard to promote St. Kitts and highlight upcoming events.

According to Kelly Fontenelle, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, the Island offers “an authentic Caribbean experience.”

The Tourism Authority recognises the importance of the Caribbean market and is intensifying efforts to engage this key region.

The Authority believes that its presence at SMART has strengthened relationships with key partners and highlighted St. Kitts as a must-visit destination.

Hanley emphasised the unique elements of St. Kitts and promoted upcoming events such as the St. Kitts Music Festival (June 26-28), St. Kitts-Nevis Restaurant Week (July 17-27), and Sugar Mas (Carnival).

These events offer entertainment and cultural immersion.

Another focus was promoting St. Kitts’ Summer Unscripted campaign, which was designed to showcase the island’s beauty and spontaneity and invite visitors to experience St. Kitts authentically.

According to Hanley, the Summer Unscripted campaign is about embracing the unexpected and immersing oneself in the raw beauty of St. Kitts.

Showcasing Heritage Tourism at the OAS Congress

Meanwhile, Ms. Tivanna Wharton, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, represented St. Kitts & Nevis at the Twenty-Sixth Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Authorities of Tourism.

This year’s congress was themed “Harnessing the Power of Heritage Tourism for Development in the Americas.”

The OAS hosted the conference at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

During the congress, PS Wharton delivered a presentation on Policies and Strategies for Developing Tourism in Afro-descendant Communities.

Her presentation emphasised the context, scope, and key policies for tourism development in these communities, highlighting the Federation’s commitment to actively contributing to implementing the Plan of Action.

According to Wharton, since 2022, under the leadership of Minister Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, St. Kitts and Nevis reimagined tourism as a tool for empowerment.

Wharton also outlined several key policies implemented in the Federation to support this vision, including tax incentives for small, locally owned businesses and protection of cultural heritage sites.

She announced the upcoming launch of the Heart of the Community Incubator, which aims to empower Afro-descendant communities through marketing support, small business grants, and mentorship.

Wharton concluded by aligning Saint Kitts and Nevis with the broader OAS mission to uplift Afro-descendant heritage.

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority’s recent activities at SMART and the OAS Congress demonstrate a commitment to strategic partnerships and sustainable tourism initiatives.

By engaging with key industry players and championing community-centered heritage tourism, St. Kitts and Nevis is working to solidify its position as a top Caribbean destination while empowering its local communities.