Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 1, 2023 (SKTA) – In accordance with the destination’s most recent accolade of being featured by FORBES magazine as a Top 5 destination to keep on your radar in 2023, St. Kitts continues to nurture its commitment to advancing its tourism industry. The inception of 2023 witnessed an immeasurable drive from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority to further market, promote, and increase travel to the destination – through the launch of Kittitian RumMaster, an experience first of its kind, the facilitation of press trips, culturally-oriented events, and the promotion of St. Kitts at international travel trade shows.
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority has pioneered a new experience where visitors can immerse in the destination’s historical and distinctive rum-making processes. Kittitian RumMaster, launched in January 2023, promises an educative, fun, and rich experience that pays homage to the island’s growing local rum industry. This new tourism offering commences at Old Road Rum, home to the Caribbean’s oldest surviving rum distillery, which then continues at Spice Mill at Cockleshell Bay. During the tour, travelers can become a Kittitian RumMaster through two classes taught by Kittitian rum producers and owners on the island. Bookings for the Kittitian RumMaster program cost USD$150 per person. For booking information, persons can visit Our Stories | St Kitts Tourism.
“It is with great joy that we venture into 2023 with robust marketing strategies. 2023 will afford new beginnings for the destination; however, our core objective to drive travel and increase the destination’s visibility stays prominent. We are delighted to have launched our Kittitian RumMaster, which promises a rich experience for visitors and our local community alike,” remarked Mr. Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
- Jake Emen (Freelance – InsideHook, Imbibe, Liquor.com)
- Ashley Burns (Islands Magazine)
- Rosalind Cummings-Yeates (The Takeout, Thrillist, Travelife Magazine)
- California Chaney (Travel Writer at Fathom Magazine)
In addition to the US Media Press Trip, Accelera Marketing representing OECS International in their efforts to build health and wellness packages across the Caribbean region, recently visited the destination. Their visit aimed to identify critical areas within the destination’s tourism offerings that can align with marketing to North America and Europe, particularly the US and the UK. The Authority offered tours at Belle Mont Farm, Caribelle Batik, and Ital Creations. Representatives of Accelera also engaged in a rainforest hike, outdoor massages, body-scrub creations, a sunset catamaran, and a sea-to-fork experience at Arthur’s restaurant. The Authority used this opportunity to expand and strengthen the destination’s appeal regarding Wellness Tourism.
Further to its promotional efforts, the Authority stays committed to marketing the destination through its authentic qualities, namely its vibrant history and culture. Considering this initiative, the Authority recently held a Kittitian Experience Tourism Extravaganza event to appreciate the Business Professional Women (BPW) network’s presence on the island for its 2023 Regional Conference. BPW continues to create rich opportunities for women through various mentoring, networking, skill-building, and economic empowerment programs. The event showcased vibrant Kittitian pride through cultural performances, entertainment, cuisine, and a local craft showcase, which resonated incredibly with all in attendance. Minister of Tourism, Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, in her welcoming remarks, stated that she is incredibly grateful to the organization for choosing St. Kitts as the host destination for this year’s conference. As such, she looks forward to expanding existing connections and partnerships with BPW.
Representatives from the Authority also executed vigorous marketing efforts at various international travel trade shows to promote the destination to a wide range of potential travelers. Ms. Denise Zimber, Trade Relations Specialist, and Ms. Kristin Greaux, Executive Administrative Assistant at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, recently attended the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show through January 14 – 15, where they engaged potential visitors to St. Kitts in rich dialogues as it pertains to the destination’s tourism offerings. The tradeshow hosted over 250 top destinations, tour companies, cruise lines, and travel providers.
Similarly, Ms. Zimber and Mr. Jason Amory, Receptionist at SKTA, attended Boston’s Travel & Adventure Show from January 21 – 22, which allowed travel lovers to explore the hottest destinations and travel providers from around the world. The team continued its international quest to solidify St. Kitts’ presence in the global tourism market and to bolster its competitive edge.
In addition to the destination’s presence at international travel trade shows, Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, and Adeola Moore, Chief Executive Officer at SCASPA, were among top cruise line executives and tourism officials at the FCCA Platinum Members conference onboard Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady.
The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and its platinum members used this opportunity to share ideas and engage in strategic discussions to strengthen and foster existing partnerships with destinations and cruise line executives.
Further to cruise activity, St. Kitts also welcomed the inaugural cruise call of Arvia, which serves as the largest cruise vessel of Carnival Corp. A plaque exchange ceremony was held to commemorate such a special occasion for the cruise sector. The increase in cruise calls to the destination provides a significant economic boost for industry stakeholders.
January has been a very productive month for the industry. As such, marketing the destination through innovative and quality mediums is paramount to the success of St. Kitts as a tourist destination. The Authority intends to continue its global quest to strengthen the destination’s visibility, thus driving travel to the island.