BASSETERRE — A high-level delegation from St. Kitts successfully concluded a targeted airlift expansion mission at Routes Americas 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The mission focused on securing new flight frequencies and optimizing existing carrier partnerships to ensure St. Kitts remained a competitive, high-access destination within the global market.
The delegation, representing a unified front for the island’s tourism and infrastructure sectors, included:
- Tivanna Wharton, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism
- Kelly Fontenelle, CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
- Adeola Moore, CEO, St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA)
- Calvin Duggins, Chief Operations Officer, SCASPA
- Candice Kimmel, Airlift Consultant, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Throughout the summit, the team conducted a series of targeted meetings to evaluate new flight opportunities and refine existing carrier partnerships. Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority ensured that the destination’s infrastructure and marketing strategies remained aligned and competitive.
These discussions in Brazil were vital to maintaining the destination’s momentum and ensuring St. Kitts remained a priority for major carriers across the hemisphere.
A key highlight of the mission featured St. Kitts Tourism Authority CEO, Kelly Fontenelle, who joined Caribbean leaders and aviation experts for a high-level panel discussion. Moderated by airlift strategist Robert Kokonis, the “Spotlight on the Caribbean” session focused on building a more resilient and accessible aviation ecosystem. During the panel, CEO Fontenelle highlighted the importance of innovative airline partnerships and regional collaboration to ensure sustainable growth for tourism-dependent economies.
“Attending Routes is always an invaluable opportunity for St. Kitts,” said CEO Kelly Fontenelle. “It allowed us to engage directly with airline partners, explore new route possibilities, and strengthen the connections that bring visitors to our shores. I was also pleased to join the Caribbean panel to highlight the region’s collective potential on air connectivity and to share how St. Kitts continues to position itself as a dynamic, accessible destination for global travelers.”
The delegation held productive meetings with several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Copa Airlines, Porter, and Air Canada. These high-level talks focused on strengthening air links connecting the destination to the world and positioning St. Kitts for long-term success.
By working together, the Ministry and its partners continue to strengthen the vital connections that drive the destination’s tourism industry forward.