BASSETERRE — The St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA) has successfully culminated its 2025 Global Familiarization (Fam) Trip, a cornerstone initiative that welcomed an influential assembly of top-producing travel advisors from its four primary source markets: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean. This strategic engagement is pivotal for reinforcing St. Kitts’ vibrant presence and ensuring expert representation across the global marketplace.
The comprehensive itinerary was designed for total experiential validation, ensuring advisors moved beyond the brochure to gain an authentic, deep understanding of the destination’s unique offerings. Participants engaged in a focused program to:
Assess Accommodations: Conduct detailed inspections and stays across a spectrum of lodging options, from luxury resorts to distinctive boutique properties.
Experience Excursions: Directly participate in signature adventure and heritage offerings, including visiting historical landmarks and exploring the destination’s natural landscape.
Explore Gastronomy: Immerse themselves in the local culinary evolution, highlighting the destination’s commitment to authentic, high-quality dining experiences.
Affirm Cultural Connection: Establish genuine relationships with the Kittitian community, capturing the genuine warmth and hospitality that serves as the destination’s competitive differentiator.
This initiative is key to empowering trade partners who are the destination’s most effective sales advocates with the knowledge required to drive informed bookings and elevate visitor spend in the coming year.
Kelly Fontenelle, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, commented on the strategic necessity of the trip:
“The success of our Global Fam Trip is a direct reflection of our commitment to our trade partners. We know that authentic experience translates into confident selling. By hosting this global fam trip, we have ensured they are equipped with the genuine insights needed to convey St. Kitts’ unique value proposition. This is an indispensable step in fortifying our market standing and achieving our ambitious growth targets for 2026.”
The sentiment was echoed by key resort partners who hosted the delegation:
“As the General Manager of the Koi Resort St. Kitts Curio Collection by Hilton, it was a pleasure to host such a distinguished group of travel professionals from the UK, US, Canada, and the Caribbean,” stated Apoorva Chandram, General Manager of Koi Resort St. Kitts Curio Collection by Hilton.
“This FAM trip was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the warm hospitality and unique experiences our resort and the island of St. Kitts have to offer. I had the chance to share some truly great conversations with our guests during dinner at our Jaya restaurant, where they got to enjoy a chef-curated menu and experience firsthand the warmth and friendliness of our team. We are grateful for the support of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority in organizing this visit and look forward to welcoming many new guests as a result.
The coordination of this multi-market initiative was skillfully managed by the SKTA team, including Danielle Weekes, Business Development Manager, Drunisha Hanley, Caribbean Sales & Events Officer, and Jason Amory, Marketing Agent. They were supported by the dedicated international market representative Allison Schultz, USA Southeast Sales Representative, Suzy Trott, UK Trade Sales Representative, and Paul Minich, Marketing Consultant – Canada.
A travel advisor’s perspective underscored the critical conversion from awareness to advocacy:
“I’m ashamed to say that St.Kitts has eluded me for 33 years, but no more! A real Caribbean gem, and I will be back and getting my clients to join the conga line with me! It will definitely be discussed with every potential Caribbean client where it never was before because I simply didn’t know it,” said Sheila Sparkes of Travel Counsellors (UK). “It’s a beautiful island with beautiful people, and I have very warm memories of my short but wonderful visit.”
The following agencies, crucial to St. Kitts’ global distribution network, participated in the initiative:
United States (US): Santa Barbara Travel Bureau, Gifted Travel Network – Elevated Occasions, Balboa Travel, PearLynn Travel Company, Officially Crowned Travel, and RDL Ultimate Travel.
Canada: Travel Air International Inc, Ingrid’s Travel, and I Love Travel.
United Kingdom (UK): Virtual EA Travel, Barrhead Travel, Travel Counsellors, Travlux, Travel Designer, and Kuoni.
Caribbean: The Vacation Connection and Mrs. Dude Travels.
The impactful connections and product knowledge achieved during this Global Fam Trip are expected to directly fuel increased sales conversions and solidify St. Kitts’ position as a premier destination throughout the 2025-2026 travel season.