African-American TikToker Claims St. Kitts is the Most Racist Place She’s Ever Visited

Malikah Kelly’s Disappointing Trip

Photo: Screenshot from TikTok @whereisMalikah.

In recent days, both the New York Post and the UK’s popular Daily Mail have carried a story about a single female African-American TikToker who said that St. Kitts was the most racist place she had ever visited.

The Incident

A female solo traveler called Malikah Kelly has vowed never to return to Saint Kitts after a disappointing trip.

On her TikTok account where she uses the name @whereismalikah, Kelly posted a video in July 2024, in which she shared her experience with over a million viewers, saying she was “treated like dirt by other black people” on the island.

@whereismalikah

I’ve traveled to a ton of countries, but this is one place I will never go back to! #travelingwhileblack #blacksafespace #blacktravel #femalesolotravel #racism

♬ original sound – Where is Malikah

Her Experience

Kelly is a well-known travel blogger and ‘influencer’ who has channels on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. She has traveled to countries all over the world and it appears that she currently lives in Hong Kong. She has discussed racism in travel in various posts and called this Kittician visit her worst trip ever from that angle.

She described how hotel staff in St. Kitts ignored her from the moment of her arrival, failing to welcome her or offer assistance.

Upon check-in, staff claimed they couldn’t find her reservation until she produced a paper version and looked down on her for not choosing the all-inclusive option, without offering an upgrade.

St. Kitts has few hotels that are exclusively all-inclusive, although some do offer that option. Obviously booking a package that includes two or three meals a day plus unlimited drinks would be a great deal more expensive.

During her stay, she struggled to get service at the beach and pool. “I could barely get a drink to save my life,” she said, explaining that servers walked past her to attend to white guests. Housekeeping also neglected her room for two days, forcing her to call management daily.

Outside the resort, she encountered similar treatment from market vendors, who were distant and unhelpful. She found some comfort in befriending another solo black female traveler who experienced the same issues.

Her trip improved slightly on the last day when she met some Americans traveling as part of a large corporate group who befriended her and helped her to order drinks. However, the overall experience left her deeply upset. “I never had that kind of experience on vacation,” she concluded.

Reactions

Viewers on Tik Tok were shocked, with one saying, “I was not expecting St. Kitts,” while another from the Bahamas called the situation heartbreaking.

Conclusion

Malikah Kelly’s experience in St. Kitts highlights the importance of addressing racism and discrimination in the travel industry. As a solo female African-American traveler, she faced unique challenges and biases that affected her overall experience. It is crucial for hotels and resorts to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, regardless of their race, gender, or nationality.

FAQ

Q: Who is Malikah Kelly?

A: Malikah Kelly is a well-known travel blogger and ‘influencer’ who has channels on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

Q: What was Malikah Kelly’s experience in St. Kitts?

A: Malikah Kelly reported being treated poorly by hotel staff and market vendors, who ignored her, failed to welcome her, and looked down on her for not choosing the all-inclusive option.

Q: Did Malikah Kelly identify the hotel she stayed at?

A: No, Malikah Kelly did not identify the hotel she stayed at, citing that she did not want to single out the establishment.

Q: What can be done to address racism and discrimination in the travel industry?

A: Hotels and resorts can provide training for staff to recognize and prevent human trafficking, and promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests. Additionally, travelers can report any incidents of racism or discrimination to the relevant authorities and share their experiences to raise awareness.