Basseterre, St. Kitts (16 June 2025) — St. Kitts took center stage at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week 2025, held in New York City from June 1–6, 2025, with a strong delegation that showcased the island’s leadership, cultural vibrancy and growing influence within the region’s tourism sector. From high-level forums to a vibrant cultural showcase, the destination was at the heart of a week-long celebration of Caribbean excellence.
“Caribbean Week was an incredible opportunity to showcase St. Kitts on an international stage,” said Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and International Transport. “Our strong presence throughout the week highlighted the destination’s commitment to tourism growth, cultural exchange and meaningful partnerships. We are humbled by the incredible response and interest St. Kitts has received throughout the Caribbean Week.”
At the inaugural Caribbean Women’s Leadership Awards, hosted by CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper, The Honourable Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and International Transport, was awarded the prestigious 2025 Minister of Tourism Award. This accolade honours Minister Henderson’s visionary leadership, commitment to sustainable tourism development and transformative impact on St.Kitts’ tourism landscape.
Among the standout moments of Caribbean Week was the official media launch of Sugar Mas 2025, the St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival. Held in the heart of New York City, the event was a joint initiative between the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and the St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival Committee. More than 40 travel writers, agents and digital influencers attended the event and experienced the sights, sounds, and culture of the Carnival firsthand.
The evening featured live music, masqueraders in vibrant costumes, culinary delights, and an exclusive first look at the Sugar Mas 2025 calendar. This celebration not only deepened interest in St. Kitts’ biggest cultural festival but underscored the island’s dedication to expanding its global cultural footprint.
As part of the week’s educational programming, Minister Henderson delivered opening remarks at “The Orange Economy: Unlocking the Power of Creativity”, a special session exploring how Caribbean destinations can better integrate cultural and creative industries into tourism. The discussion focused on monetizing creative assets, supporting local artisans, and enhancing visitor experiences through culture.
Alongside the week’s standout honors and celebrations, St. Kitts engaged with tourism executives, cultural stakeholders, and media professionals during a robust lineup of forums, interactive workshops and strategic networking events. The destination reinforced its commitment to shaping the future of Caribbean tourism through collaboration, innovation and inclusive growth.
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