The tourism authorities of Saint Kitts and Nevis successfully concluded participation in the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, where the twin-island federation showcased its latest tourism developments, strategic initiatives, and growing momentum to an audience of regional and international travel media, tour operators, travel advisors, airline partners, and industry stakeholders. Throughout the conference, both destinations participated in a series of strategic meetings, media engagements, and business appointments focused on strengthening regional and international partnerships, expanding destination visibility, and driving continued tourism growth.
Hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace brought together more than 500 delegates from across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Latin America for a series of meetings, networking events, media engagements, and strategic tourism discussions focused on the future of Caribbean travel and sustainable tourism growth.
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Representing the Nevis Tourism Authority were CEO Andia Ravariere and Director of MICE & VIP Services Shelisia Glassford, alongside Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and Danielle Weekes, Business Development Manager for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, who collectively participated in business meetings, media engagements, and destination presentations throughout the conference. Hotel and tourism partners from both islands also joined the delegation, including Oualie Beach Resort and Montpelier Nevis from Nevis, alongside St. Kitts Scenic Escape, Timothy Beach Resort, and Belle Mont Sanctuary Resort.
Attendees included hotel executives, destination representatives, tour operators, travel advisors, and international and regional journalists, all focused on strengthening partnerships, generating new business opportunities, and advancing collaborative strategies for the Caribbean tourism industry. As part of the conference programming, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Nevis Tourism Authority hosted a joint press conference presenting destination updates, tourism performance, new developments, and forward-looking initiatives shaping the future of travel to the twin-island federation.
During the presentation, Kelly Fontenelle highlighted St. Kitts’ strategic focus on strengthening cultural identity, expanding authentic visitor experiences, and continuing to evolve the island’s tourism product through music, gastronomy, and community-driven programming. Fontenelle also spotlighted the St. Kitts Music Festival, taking place this June, which for nearly three decades has helped redefine the destination’s summer tourism season while attracting visitors from across the Caribbean and international markets.
“Platforms like CHTA Marketplace are invaluable to our growth strategy, providing us with direct access to travel trade partners and industry leaders who are essential in carrying our story to markets worldwide,” said Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “For St. Kitts, attending Marketplace offers the opportunity to nurture relationships, forge meaningful partnerships, and ensure that our destination stays top of mind for travellers seeking immersive and authentic Caribbean experiences.”
The St. Kitts Tourism Authority also emphasized the continued growth of the destination’s culinary offerings through the evolution of Restaurant Month into a broader island-wide culinary celebration throughout July, integrating local chefs, agricultural producers, and the island’s distinct gastronomy into the overall visitor experience.
During the joint press conference, Andia Ravariere highlighted Nevis’ continued evolution as one of the Caribbean’s leading boutique luxury destinations, emphasizing the island’s strategic focus on sustainability, authenticity, wellness, heritage, and experiential travel.
“CHTA Marketplace continues to be an important platform for strengthening partnerships and elevating the visibility of our destination on a regional and global level,” said Andia Ravariere, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority. “Nevis is intentionally growing through a model rooted in value over volume, sustainability, and meaningful visitor experiences, and we were proud to share that vision alongside our partners from Saint Kitts.” Ravariere emphasized Nevis’ continued positioning as a destination centered around “barefoot luxury,” combining untouched natural beauty, traditional Caribbean hospitality, boutique accommodations, and meaningful cultural connection. She noted that despite spanning just 36 square miles, Nevis offers a remarkably dense concentration of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, creating a highly differentiated experience within the Caribbean market.
The Nevis Tourism Authority spotlighted several initiatives and experiences contributing to the destination’s continued growth and international visibility, including the expanding success of the Nevis Mango Festival, now entering its 12th year. Originally created to stimulate travel during the island’s traditionally slower summer season, the festival has evolved into one of the Caribbean’s premier culinary events, attracting visitors from around the world and expanding to an additional day in 2026 with a major culinary headliner.
Nevis also highlighted its commitment to sustainability and regenerative tourism through initiatives including renewable energy projects, turtle conservation and release programs, coral restoration efforts, and the island’s broader low-impact tourism strategy. The destination additionally showcased Palm Garden Nevis, which recently transitioned to operating on 100% solar energy, reinforcing Nevis’ positioning as a leader in sustainable luxury tourism.
The destination further leaned into its rich historical significance, particularly as the United States prepares to commemorate its upcoming 250th anniversary. Nevis, the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, highlighted its Hamilton heritage experiences and the island’s broader historical offerings, including the Bath Hotel, recognized as the first hotel in the Caribbean and currently undergoing restoration supported through U.S.-funded preservation efforts.
Wellness tourism was also positioned as a major pillar for Nevis, with emphasis placed on the island’s natural hot springs, tranquil environment, wellness retreats, and holistic approach to rejuvenation rooted in nature and heritage.
In addition, Ravariere highlighted improving regional accessibility to Nevis, including enhanced regional airlift through Winair’s service from St. Maarten, as well as seamless ferry connections via St. Kitts, making the destination increasingly accessible from major Caribbean and international gateways.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace remains the region’s premier tourism marketing event, bringing together Caribbean suppliers and global buyers to drive business development, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the diversity of Caribbean travel experiences.
