Cruise Arrivals in St. Kitts

Peak Season Performance

Cruise arrivals in St. Kitts jumped by eight percent during the 2024-2025 peak season compared to the previous year, with 748,056 passengers arriving between October and April, according to Minister of Tourism Marsha Henderson.

Minister Henderson revealed the updated statistics during a press conference held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on April 29, highlighting what she called “a healthy increase” over the 690,244 cruise visitors recorded the previous season.

Growth Factors

“This growth is the result of the collective efforts among the Ministry of Tourism, the sister agencies, and the industry partners, all focused on enhancing the guest experience, improving our port facilities, and ensuring visitor satisfaction and safety,” said Henderson. “However, we recognise the true success in tourism is not only measured in numbers, but in the tangible impact on the lives of our citizens.”

Empowering Small Business Owners

Central to those tangible impacts is the Tour Development Programme, launched in August 2024, which aims to empower small business owners to craft distinctive tourism experiences. According to Henderson, 15 local companies are currently enrolled in the programme.

“I am proud to share that 15 companies are currently participating in the programme and we remain committed to their success,” she said.

Overcoming Challenges

The Ministry has also addressed a major roadblock for small tour operators by resolving long-standing insurance issues. With passenger coverage now secured, these operators are now able to market their tours directly to cruise lines—positioning them to compete more effectively with established operators.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, Henderson confirmed that executives from Royal Caribbean Group are scheduled to visit St. Kitts later this month to deepen their understanding of the island’s tourism offerings. Their visit follows an October 2024 engagement with representatives from Carnival Corporation.

Conclusion

The significant growth in cruise arrivals and the Ministry’s efforts to support small business owners and address industry challenges demonstrate a promising future for St. Kitts’ tourism sector. With continued collaboration and innovation, the island is well-positioned to attract even more visitors and provide a unique and enriching experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the percentage increase in cruise arrivals in St. Kitts during the 2024-2025 peak season?

A: The percentage increase was eight percent.

Q: How many passengers arrived in St. Kitts between October and April?

A: 748,056 passengers arrived during that period.

Q: What is the Tour Development Programme, and how many companies are currently enrolled?

A: The Tour Development Programme aims to empower small business owners to craft distinctive tourism experiences, and 15 local companies are currently enrolled.