SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS STRENGTHENS AIRLIFT THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 19, 2025 (SKNIS): The tourism sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to experience strong growth and renewed international confidence, driven by strategic airlift partnerships and the proactive leadership of the government.

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, highlighted the remarkable turnaround achieved under the current administration, noting that just a few years ago, the destination faced declining airlift, stagnant visitor numbers, and waning confidence among travel partners.

“Through decisive leadership, strategic partnerships, and the unwavering commitment of this Labour-led administration, we have reversed that trajectory,” said Minister Henderson during her contribution to the 2026 Budget Debate on Friday, December 19, 2025.

“Today, Saint Kitts and Nevis is no longer recovering,” Minister Henderson declared. “We are at this time redefining Caribbean tourism excellence. We have rebuilt trust with our airlines, with our cruise lines, with our travel advisors, and our investors. We have repositioned our nation not merely as open for business, but as a thriving, dynamic, and future-ready tourism destination.”

Minister Henderson emphasised that reliable and consistent airlift remains critical to the continued growth of the tourism industry. 

“Airlift remains the lifeblood of island tourism,” the minister stated. “Without reliable, year-round connectivity, even the most beautiful destination will struggle to attract visitors in the numbers necessary to sustain growth, jobs, and opportunity. This Labour-led administration understands this reality. We have therefore invested strategically to secure the air access our Federation requires, not through ad hoc arrangements, but through structured, data-driven agreements that balance government support with long-term sustainability.”

The Minister announced encouraging developments in the Canadian market, where Air Canada has increased capacity to the destination by upgrading its service from an A319 aircraft with 136 seats to an A321 aircraft with 200 seats. “This is superbly ideal as the destination recently ranked number two in searches by Canadians — an increase of 170 percent, as reported by Sky Scanner,” Minister Henderson said.

The Sky Scanner report also noted that Canadian travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations offering “cultural discovery, coastal charm, and vibrant city life” — attributes that Saint Kitts and Nevis embodies.

Minister Henderson also celebrated the inaugural InterCaribbean Airways direct flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, replacing Silver Airways and keeping connectivity to that destination open.

The minister reiterated that strengthening partnerships with regional and international carriers remains a key focus for sustaining growth and building the country’s reputation as a leading tourism destination. 

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