BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jun. 18, CMC – The government has launched a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at reviewing the performance of the recently concluded cruise season and preparing for continued growth in the sector.
The meetings, led by Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson, began earlier this week with members of the taxi industry, one of the country’s key tourism partners and primary points of contact for visitors.
The session provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the successes of the 2025/2026 cruise season, receive industry updates, and share recommendations on improving the visitor experience.
Among the issues discussed were the proposed Rainforest Tour Guides Policy, operational challenges within the sector, opportunities to strengthen tourism products, and strategies to enhance St. Kitts’ appeal as a destination.
Officials reported that the island recorded its strongest cruise arrivals since 2019 and is anticipating a busy summer schedule, signaling continued momentum foor the tourism industry.
“Tourism continues to be the backbone of our economy,” Henderson said. “As we look towards the future, it is critical that we focus on increasing the benefits of tourism through the engagement of our communities and increasing visitor spending to drive economic growth.”
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure tourism growth translates into meaningful benefits for local communities while maintaining a high-quality visitor experience.
The consultation process will continue in the coming weeks with additional tourism partners as authorities seek to position St. Kitts for another successful cruise season.
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