AGP Executive Report

Cruise Deals: Virgin Voyages is offering up to $500 in onboard credit on select Caribbean sailings booked by Oct. 22; a 10-night itinerary calls at St. Kitts and Nevis. Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez was elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while St. Kitts and Nevis will represent CARICOM countries as a board vice chair. Visitor Growth: St. Kitts welcomed more than 1.03 million cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season; officials also reported 116,458 air arrivals through August and expect Air Canada’s seasonal service to begin Oct. 31. Port Experience: A trial non-solicitation zone at Port Zante aims to improve the visitor experience ahead of P&O Cruises’ planned 2027 turnaround operations. Island Appeal: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic awards; St. Kitts also earned 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours. Coastal Protection: New workboats and offshore barriers are being deployed to intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches.

Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister Charles “Max” Fernandez has been elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, while St. Kitts and Nevis holds the board’s vice-chair role. The leadership team faces regional priorities including sustainability and keeping more visitor spending in local communities. Visitor Numbers: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending; the 2025–26 cruise season brought over one million passengers. Air Canada is set to begin seasonal service on October 31. Port Zante: Tourism officials are trialling a no-solicitation zone in the port courtyard, seeking feedback as they prepare for P&O Cruises’ planned 2027 turnaround operations. Island Recognition: Nevis placed 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic awards; St. Kitts also earned 11 reader-voted diving honours. Coastal Protection: Two new workboats and offshore barriers will help intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches, protecting coastlines and tourism.

Wildlife Protection: A sea-turtle sale advertisement has prompted public concern in St. Kitts. The Sea Turtle Monitoring Network says rescue attempts were unsuccessful and is calling for stronger protections for threatened species. Island Honours: Nevis placed 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic rankings. St. Kitts also earned 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours, including Best Overall. Visitor Growth: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than 1.03 million cruise passengers during the 2025–26 season. Air Canada is due to start seasonal service on October 31, a month earlier than usual. Tourism Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, with a seat on its executive committee and a role in regional tourism planning. Port Experience: Officials are testing a non-solicitation zone in Port Zante’s courtyard, seeking feedback as they prepare for P&O Cruises’ planned turnaround operations in 2027.

Coastal Conservation: A sea-turtle sale advertisement in St. Kitts has sparked public concern, with the Sea Turtle Monitoring Network reporting that rescue efforts were unsuccessful and calling for stronger wildlife protections. Visitor Highlights: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island awards; St. Kitts also received 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours. Tourism Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, with a role in shaping regional priorities including sustainable tourism and local business links. Travel Numbers: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than 1.03 million cruise visitors in the 2025–26 season. Air Canada’s seasonal service is set to begin Oct. 31, a month earlier than usual. Port Zante: Officials are testing a non-solicitation zone in the port courtyard to improve the visitor experience, while weighing the demands of busy cruise days. Beach Readiness: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being brought into service to intercept sargassum before it reaches shore.

Tourism Rankings: Nevis placed 13th and St. Kitts 17th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 readers’ awards. St. Kitts also earned 11 Scuba Diving readers’ honours, including Best Overall. Visitor Numbers: St. Kitts welcomed more than 1.03 million cruise passengers in the 2025–26 season. Air arrivals reached 116,458 through August, with reported Visa-card spending topping US$34.5 million; Air Canada is set to begin seasonal service on October 31. Port Zante: A trial non-solicitation zone is under way in the courtyard as officials seek to improve the visitor experience and prepare for P&O Cruises’ planned 2027 turnaround operations. Conservation: A sea-turtle sale advertisement has prompted concern from conservation advocates, who say rescue attempts were unsuccessful and are calling for stronger wildlife protections. Regional Tourism: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, gaining a role in regional tourism discussions on sustainability, workforce development and links with local businesses.

Marine Conservation: A sea-turtle sale in St. Kitts has sparked public concern after the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network said rescue attempts were unsuccessful and called for stronger wildlife protections. Visitor Appeal: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic island awards; St. Kitts also earned 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours. Cruise Tourism: The 2025–26 season brought more than 1.03 million cruise passengers. Officials are testing a no-solicitation zone at Port Zante as they work to improve the visitor experience and share tourism benefits locally. Regional Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, with a role in shaping regional priorities including sustainable tourism and links to local businesses. Coastal Readiness: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being deployed to intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches.

Cruise Tourism: St. Kitts welcomed 1,031,710 cruise visitors in the 2025–26 season, which ended September 30. Officials say growth brings pressure on beaches, roads and transport, and want more cruise spending to reach local businesses. Visitor Growth: Air arrivals reached 116,458 through August, up 5.6% from July; Visa-card spending topped US$34.5 million. Air Canada’s seasonal service is set to begin October 31, a month earlier than usual. Port Zante: The Tourism Ministry is testing a non-solicitation zone in the port courtyard, aiming to improve the visitor experience while gathering feedback from vendors and operators. Regional Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, with a role in regional tourism planning and priorities including sustainability and stronger links with local suppliers. Island Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic awards; St. Kitts also earned 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours. Coastal Protection: Two specialised workboats and offshore barriers are being deployed to intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches.

Tourism Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th among Caribbean and Atlantic islands in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. St. Kitts also won 11 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice honours, including Best Overall. Regional Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, with a seat on its executive committee and a role in shaping priorities such as sustainable tourism and local business links. Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez was elected CTO chair. Visitor Growth: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending. The 2025–26 cruise season brought over one million passengers, while Air Canada is set to start its seasonal service on October 31, a month earlier than usual. Visitor Experience: Tourism officials are testing a no-solicitation zone at Port Zante to improve the arrival experience and prepare for cruise turnaround operations in 2027. Coastal Protection: New workboats and offshore barriers will help intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches, supporting coastal communities and the tourism sector.

Cruise Tourism: St. Kitts welcomed 1,031,710 cruise passengers during the 2025–26 season, which closed September 30. Officials say growth brings pressure on roads, beaches and attractions as well as opportunities for local businesses. Regional Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, while Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister, Charles “Max” Fernandez, became CTO chair. The regional agenda includes sustainable tourism and stronger links with local industries. Visitor Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic island awards. St. Kitts also received 11 honours in Scuba Diving’s 2027 readers’ awards. Arrivals and Airlift: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in Visa spending. Air Canada’s seasonal service is due to start October 31, a month earlier than usual. Port and Beaches: A trial non-solicitation zone at Port Zante aims to improve the visitor experience. New workboats and offshore barriers will help intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches.

Regional Tourism Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis was elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, joining its Executive Committee. Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez will chair the regional body. Cruise Tourism: The 2025–26 season closed with 1,031,710 cruise passengers. Officials say the growth brings opportunities for local businesses, alongside challenges for transport, attractions and beaches. Visitor Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic island awards. St. Kitts also earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall. Port Zante: The Tourism Ministry is trialling a non-solicitation zone in the port courtyard, aiming to improve the visitor experience while seeking feedback from vendors and transport operators. Air Arrivals: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August, with reported Visa-card visitor spending topping US$34.5 million. Air Canada is set to start its seasonal service a month early, on Oct. 31.

Regional Tourism Leadership: St. Kitts and Nevis has been elected vice chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s board, giving the Federation a stronger voice in regional tourism planning. Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson was also featured on the cover of the CTO’s annual magazine. Visitor Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic island awards. St. Kitts also earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall. Port Zante Changes: A trial non-solicitation zone is underway in the courtyard, with officials seeking feedback from operators and vendors as the port prepares for P&O Cruises’ planned 2027 turnaround service. Tourism Readiness: New workboats and offshore barriers will help intercept sargassum before it reaches beaches. The sector reported 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than 1.03 million cruise visitors last season; Air Canada’s seasonal service is set to begin October 31.

Island Recognition: Nevis ranked 13th and St. Kitts 17th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island awards, based on reader votes. St. Kitts also earned 11 honours in Scuba Diving’s 2027 Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall, highlighting its wrecks, reefs and marine life. Tourism Growth: St. Kitts recorded 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than US$34.5 million in reported visitor spending. The 2025–26 cruise season brought 1,031,710 passengers, and Air Canada is set to start seasonal service on October 31, earlier than usual. Regional Connections: Trans Anguilla Airways has opened an office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, strengthening its local presence and regional links. Cruise Spotlight: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts on October 1, supporting local tours, shops and restaurants.

Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism minister was elected chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers, guiding the group’s regional tourism agenda. Visitor Growth: St. Kitts reported 116,458 air arrivals through August and more than 1.03 million cruise visitors during the 2025–26 season. Air Canada’s seasonal service is set to begin October 31, a month earlier than usual. Island Recognition: St. Kitts ranked 17th and Nevis 13th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island awards. St. Kitts also earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall. Tourism Month: October’s programme invites communities and industry stakeholders to explore tourism’s role in the Federation’s future. Cruise and Connectivity: Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts, while Trans Anguilla Airways’ new airport office aims to strengthen regional travel links.

Tourism Awareness Month: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off Tourism Awareness Month with a church service at Zion Moravian Church and a month-long calendar of community conversations and stakeholder events aimed at highlighting tourism’s role in growing the local economy. Cruise Tourism: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts, with visitors filling Port Zante, booking tours, and spending time at Brimstone Hill, Romney Manor, Black Rocks, beaches, and Basseterre landmarks. Diving Recognition: St. Kitts earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall, with wins spanning wrecks, walls, marine environment health, value, and beginner-friendly diving. Air Connectivity Boost: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated office and local team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, a move Anguilla’s tourism minister called an “economic lifeline” for regional travel, trade, and family links. Local Safety Update: RSCNPF is investigating a Cayon Street traffic incident in Basseterre involving Sam Condor and his wife, who were treated for minor injuries.

Tourism Awareness Month: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off Tourism Awareness Month with a church service and community conversations, rolling out October events under the theme “Our People, Our Communities, Our Future: Reimagining Tourism Together,” aimed at spotlighting tourism’s role in economic growth. Cruise arrivals: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas brought 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts, with visitors filling Port Zante and touring Brimstone Hill, Romney Manor, beaches, Basseterre landmarks, and Nevis by day. Scuba diving accolades: St. Kitts earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall, with recognition spanning wrecks, walls, marine health, photography, value, and beginner-friendly diving. Air connectivity boost: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated office and local team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, with officials calling regional airlift an “economic lifeline” for tourism, trade, and family links. Local road safety: Police are investigating a Cayon Street Basseterre traffic incident where a vehicle struck two pedestrians, with both Condors treated for minor injuries.

Tourism Awareness Month: St. Kitts and Nevis kicked off Tourism Awareness Month with a church service and community conversations, rolling out October events under “Our People, Our Communities, Our Future: Reimagining Tourism Together.” Cruise momentum: Star of the Seas brought about 7,069 passengers to St. Kitts, with visitors filling Port Zante, tours, beaches, and popular sites like Brimstone Hill and Romney Manor. Diving spotlight: St. Kitts earned 11 honours in the 2027 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards, including Best Overall, with readers praising wrecks, walls, reef health, and value for divers. Air connectivity boost: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, aiming to strengthen regional links and passenger support across the Eastern Caribbean. Road safety update: RSCNPF is investigating a Cayon Street accident in Basseterre where a vehicle struck two pedestrians, injuring Mr and Mrs Sam and Eugenie Condor. Sports on the move: Nevis sailor Elijah Walters is set to make history as the first from St. Kitts and Nevis at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portugal (Oct 4–10).