AGP Executive Report

Cruise Boost for Port Zante: Norwegian Prima is set for 13 calls to Basseterre’s Port Zante from November 2026 to March 2027, with 7-day round trips out of San Juan and alternating Southern/Eastern Caribbean routes that include St. Kitts. Music & Tourism Countdown: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival runs June 25–27 at Warner Park Stadium, with a special Ellie Matt tribute on opening night and a packed lineup that includes Steel Pan, Kehlani, Fantasia and other major acts—plus fringe events like beach parties and culinary showcases. Nevis Mango Festival: Nevis celebrates mangoes July 2–5 with 60+ chefs, “Nevis Goes Mango” digital mapping, and new “Mango City” attractions aimed at drawing foodies and visitors. Aman at Sea Bookings Open: Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028) is now open for booking, featuring Leeward, Windward and Dutch Caribbean itineraries with St. Kitts and Nevis stops. Regional Air Cargo Move: St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport announced Executive Air’s new regional cargo service to support tourism supply chains and help farmers export. STEM for Youth: ECCB launches a free 2026 STEM Camp July 6 for ages 14–18 across ECCU member territories, focused on AI, design thinking and leadership. Health & Airport Readiness: TDC Group donated a fully equipped Scherber first-responder backpack to the Port Health Unit at RLB International Airport to strengthen emergency response.

St. Kitts Music Festival Countdown: The 28th St. Kitts Music Festival kicks off June 25–27 at Warner Park Stadium in Basseterre, with a special opening-night tribute honoring legendary Kittitian musician Ellie Matt, plus a star-studded lineup featuring Fantasia, Steel Pulse, Kehlani, Beres Hammond, Machel Montano and more—set to pull in major summer arrivals. Nevis Mango Festival: Nevis celebrates mango culture July 2–5 with more than 60 chefs, new events like “Nevis Goes Mango” (a digital map for tastings) and “Mango City,” and ticket sales still available for the Sunday sampling event. Cruise Momentum: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas returned to Port Zante June 18 with thousands of passengers, while St. Kitts Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson is holding stakeholder talks to fine-tune the cruise season and boost visitor experience. Aman at Sea Bookings Open: Aman at Sea has opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season (Nov. 21, 2027–Jan. 2, 2028), including Leeward Islands calls with St. Kitts and Nevis. Health & Airport Readiness: Prime Minister Terrence Drew inspected the refurbished JNF General Hospital private ward ahead of its reopening, and TDC Group donated a Scherber first-responder backpack to the RLB International Airport Port Health Unit. Regional Business Push: The AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2026 is set for July 29–31 at the St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort, positioning Basseterre as a hub for trade, investment and innovation.

Aman at Sea Caribbean bookings: Ultra-luxury yacht cruise operator Aman at Sea has opened reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Caribbean season—five- to eight-night voyages running Nov. 21, 2027 to Jan. 2, 2028, with stops including St. Kitts and Nevis as part of Leeward Islands itineraries. Food tourism in Nevis: The Nevis Mango Festival returns July 2–5 with more than 60 chefs, “Nevis Goes Mango” digital mapping, and new festival layouts—plus ticket info for VIP and regular admission. Basseterre music draw: The St. Kitts Music Festival 2026 hits Warner Park June 25–27, featuring major acts across reggae, soca, dancehall, R&B, pop, jazz and Afrobeats, with a full “Summer of Fun” fringe calendar. Cruise season momentum: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas made its third Port Zante visit, bringing thousands of passengers and supporting a busy June–September cruise schedule. Tourism operations check-in: Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson has started stakeholder consultations to review cruise-season performance and prepare for what’s next, including guidance for tour operators and visitor experience improvements. Regional business spotlight: AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2026 (July 29–31) is set to bring major investors and innovators to Basseterre. Safety at the airport: TDC Group donated a fully equipped Scherber first-responder backpack to the Port Health Unit at RLB International Airport.

Airport Readiness: TDC Group donated a fully stocked Scherber First Responder Backpack to the Port Health Unit at RLB International Airport, boosting EMT/EMS, trauma and oxygen response capacity for faster emergency care. Cruise Momentum: Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class Star of the Seas returned to Port Zante on June 18 with about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew, part of a busy summer run that includes multiple calls through August. Tourism Operations: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder consultations with the taxi fraternity to review the current cruise season and prepare for the next, including input on an upcoming Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and visitor-experience improvements. Regional Aviation Links: Executive Air launched a new air cargo service at St. Vincent’s Argyle International Airport, aiming to strengthen tourism supply chains and create export routes across the region—its network includes Nevis and St. Kitts. Energy Independence Plan: The Federation reaffirmed its goal of renewable energy independence by 2035, combining geothermal, solar and an undersea cable strategy to cut fossil-fuel reliance and support tourism and other sectors. Hospitality Skills Boost: The Guest Experience Institute launched in St. Kitts and the wider region to raise service standards, rolling out the Guest Service Gold® certification pathway for tourism workers.

Airport Readiness: TDC Group donated a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack to the Port Health Unit at RLB International Airport, boosting emergency response with EMT/EMS, trauma and oxygen supplies plus 250+ first-aid items. Cruise Tourism: Minister of Tourism Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder talks to review the current cruise season and prepare for 2026–27, with taxi operators weighing in on visitor experience and an upcoming Rainforest Tour Guides Policy. On-the-Ground Visitor Demand: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas returned to Port Zante for its third visit, bringing about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew, with excursions ranging from Brimstone Hill to rainforest hikes and beach stops. Regional Spotlight: St. Kitts was headline sponsor of the 2026 CTO Caribbean Ball in London, putting the destination in front of 200+ UK travel industry leaders. Sports Tourism: The Alliance – Hoops & Heritage FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest 2026 in St. Eustatius drew teams from across the region, including St. Kitts and Nevis. Energy Independence Plan: St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed a renewable path to energy independence by 2035, combining geothermal, solar and an undersea cable link.

Cruise Tourism Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas returned to Port Zante on June 18 for its third visit this year, bringing about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew, with excursions like Brimstone Hill, Mount Liamuiga hikes, and beach trips helping keep spending flowing during the off-season. Local Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder talks with taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including the proposed Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and ways to improve the visitor experience. Hospitality Skills Push: The Guest Experience Institute launched in St. Kitts and Nevis with a Guest Service Gold® certification pathway aimed at raising service standards across hotels, attractions, and tourism businesses. Energy & Tourism Link: The Federation reaffirmed its plan for energy independence by 2035 through geothermal, solar, and an undersea cable—positioning cheaper, steadier power as a boost for sectors including tourism. Regional Sports Tourism: St. Eustatius co-hosted the Alliance – Hoops & Heritage FIBA 3x3 Lite Quest 2026, drawing teams from across the Caribbean including St. Kitts and Nevis. Safety at the Airport: TDC Group donated a Scherber first-responder backpack to the RLB International Airport Port Health Unit to strengthen emergency response for travellers. Visa Shock for Travellers: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals, triggering fresh political debate over the impact on mobility and travel plans.

Cruise & Visitor Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder talks with taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including a Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and ways to boost the visitor experience. Big Ship, Big Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas returned to Port Zante for its third visit, bringing about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew, with excursions ranging from Brimstone Hill to rainforest hikes and beach stops. Port Health Upgrade: At RLB International Airport, the Port Health Unit received a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack from TDC Group to strengthen emergency response. Energy Push: St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirmed its plan to reach energy independence by 2035, combining geothermal, solar, and an undersea cable link. Regional Tourism Talent: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated two young Olympic Ambassadors, Azariah Vanterpool and Shakquan Hodge, after completing an international leadership programme in Greece. Travel Policy Shock: Ireland’s new visa requirement for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals sparked political backlash, with former PM Timothy Harris questioning the government’s diplomatic follow-through.

Cruise Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas returned to Port Zante on June 18 for its third St. Kitts call, bringing about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew for a day of excursions from Brimstone Hill to rainforest hikes and beach clubs. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder talks with taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including discussion of an upcoming Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and ways to improve the visitor experience. Airport Health Upgrade: At RLB International Airport, Port Health received a fully equipped Scherber First Responder Backpack donated by TDC Group to strengthen emergency response for travellers. Regional Air Vision: Incoming OECS Chairman Gaston Browne called for a dedicated OECS airline and deeper regional integration, pitching a plan that could use unclaimed regional banking deposits to help launch it. Travel Disruption Watch: Ireland’s new visa requirement for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals took effect June 15, adding a new hurdle for tourists, students, and business travellers heading to Europe. Sports & Tourism Links: Beach volleyball teams from the region continued NORCECA action in the Dominican Republic, with St. Kitts and Nevis athletes competing as part of the wider travel-and-sport circuit.

Cruise Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas returned to St. Kitts for its third visit, bringing about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew to Port Zante as part of a 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary, with popular excursions like Brimstone Hill, Mount Liamuiga rainforest hikes, and beach stops. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder consultations to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including taxi operator input, operational concerns, and a proposed Rainforest Tour Guides Policy. Airport Safety Upgrade: TDC Group donated a fully equipped Scherber first-responder backpack to the RLB International Airport Port Health Unit to strengthen emergency response for travellers. Visa Shock for Visitors: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals starting June 15, a change that could affect tourism, business travel, and transit plans. Sports & Travel Interest: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated two young Olympic ambassadors after completing an international session in Greece, adding fresh local talent to watch as the islands’ youth leadership grows.

Cruise Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas made its third Port Zante call on June 18, bringing about 7,368 passengers and 2,466 crew for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary, with visitors set to hit Brimstone Hill, Mount Liamuiga rainforest hikes, and beach excursions as the ship returns multiple times through summer. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder consultations with taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including input on an upcoming Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and ways to improve the visitor experience. Travel Policy Shock: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals from June 15, requiring visas (and transit visas) for ordinary, diplomatic and service passport holders—sparking political pushback over what it means for travel and tourism links. On-the-Ground Airport Support: TDC Airlines Services donated a fully equipped Scherber first-responder backpack to the Ministry of Health’s port health unit at RLB International Airport to speed up emergency response for travellers. Sports & Tourism Vibes: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated two young Olympic ambassadors, Azariah Vanterpool and Shakquan Hodge, after completing an international session in Greece focused on safeguarding, inclusion and leadership. Global Shipping Risk: Ukrainian officials report a Russian drone strike in the Black Sea hit a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel, causing minor injuries and raising concerns for international trade routes.

Cruise Boost: Star of the Seas docked at Port Zante with 7,368 passengers on June 18, adding momentum to St. Kitts’ summer cruise run and supporting local tours and businesses. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder consultations with taxi operators at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, discussing cruise-season performance, a Rainforest Tour Guides Policy, and ways to improve the visitor experience for 2026–27. Aviation & Health at the Airport: TDC Airline Services donated a fully equipped Scherber first-responder backpack to the Ministry of Health’s Port Health Unit at RLB International Airport to speed up emergency response for travellers. Global Mobility Shock for Travellers: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals effective June 15, with transit visas also required—sparking fresh debate over the Federation’s travel access. Investment Spotlight: The Investment Gateway Summit 2026 opens June 17–20 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, bringing investors and HNWIs to discuss growth sectors and the evolving citizenship framework. Local Pride: St. Kitts celebrated two new Young Olympic Ambassadors, Azariah Vanterpool and Shakquan Hodge, after completing an international programme in Greece.

Cruise Boost: Star of the Seas brought 7,368 passengers to Port Zante on June 18, with four more calls scheduled through summer, supporting local businesses during the off-season. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder consultations, starting with taxi operators, to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including discussion of a Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and visitor-experience upgrades. International Spotlight: St. Kitts took centre stage in London as headline sponsor of the 2026 CTO Caribbean Ball, positioning the destination to travel industry leaders ahead of peak planning. Visa Shock for Travellers: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals (and Saint Lucia, Nicaragua), requiring visas for all passport types and transit passengers—an issue already sparking political pushback at home. Maritime Security Concern: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel was reportedly hit by Russian drones in the Black Sea, leaving crew with minor injuries and raising fresh worries for shipping and global trade routes. Investment & Mobility: The Investment Gateway Summit 2026 opens June 17 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, drawing investors and HNWIs as the federation markets growth, sustainability, and citizenship reforms.

Cruise Boost: Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class Star of the Seas docked at Port Zante with 7,368 passengers, underscoring strong cruise tourism even in the off-season, with 20 Port Zante calls planned from June to September and four more visits for the ship. Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson kicked off stakeholder consultations, starting with taxi operators, to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, including a proposed Rainforest Tour Guides Policy and ways to improve the visitor experience. Global Mobility Watch: Ireland ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals (plus Saint Lucia and Nicaragua), requiring visas for ordinary, diplomatic and service passports and adding transit visas—prompting fresh debate over passport strength and travel plans. Investment Spotlight: The Investment Gateway Summit 2026 opens June 17–20 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, bringing investors and HNWIs to discuss sustainable growth and the evolving citizenship landscape. Federation Pride: St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated two young Olympic Ambassadors, Azariah Vanterpool and Shakquan Hodge, after completing the 66th International Session in Greece. Maritime Disruption: A St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged merchant vessel was hit by Russian drones in the Black Sea corridor, leaving crew with minor injuries and raising concerns for international shipping and food security.

Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson has kicked off stakeholder consultations to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, starting with taxi operators at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club on June 16. Discussions covered the proposed Rainforest Tour Guides Policy, operational issues, product upgrades, and ways to strengthen the visitor experience, with officials citing the strongest cruise arrivals since 2019 and a busy summer schedule. Investment & Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis is also gearing up for the Investment Gateway Summit 2026 (June 17–20) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, positioning the federation for new investment and global access conversations. Visa Shock for Travelers: Ireland has ended visa-free entry for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals effective June 15, requiring visas for ordinary, diplomatic and service passports, plus a transit visa for those passing through. Regional Tourism Support: Taxi fraternity engagement continues as the ministry pushes for higher standards and better on-the-ground service ahead of the next season.

Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson met taxi operators at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club to review the 2025/26 cruise season and prepare for 2026/27, with talks covering operational challenges, visitor-experience upgrades, and an upcoming Rainforest Tour Guides Policy. Investment & Development: The Investment Gateway Summit 2026 opened at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, positioning the Federation as a hub for sustainable investment and diversification, with high-level participation and a focus on how the Citizenship by Investment programme is evolving. Maritime Tourism Push: “Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis” continued to build momentum for yachting and superyacht services, framing the sector as a jobs-and-skills driver. Ireland Visa Shock for Travellers: Ireland’s new visa requirement for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals (effective June 15, with transit visas too) sparked political backlash and raised practical travel concerns for students, business travellers, and families. Environment & Tourism Assets: A community cleanup at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery highlighted heritage preservation efforts that also support tourism appeal.

Tourism Readiness: Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson met taxi operators to review the 2025/26 cruise season and plan for 2026/27, including discussions on a Rainforest Tour Guides Policy, product upgrades, visitor experience, and homeporting. Maritime & Yachting Push: The Nautical Kickstart St. Kitts & Nevis forum (June 12–13) brought yachting stakeholders together to grow superyacht services and jobs, while the Prime Minister also highlighted the sector as a key tourism opportunity. Investment Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up to host IGS 2026 (June 17–20) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, aiming to attract investors and HNWIs and showcase the evolving citizenship and global mobility landscape. Ireland Visa Change: Ireland will require visas for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals (ordinary, diplomatic and service passports) from June 15, with transit visas also needed; limited transitional arrangements apply for some pre-booked trips. Local Safety & Heritage: Police confirmed a visiting cruise crew member’s death on Mt. Liamuiga was an accidental fall; meanwhile, Environment Month cleanup work at Spooner’s Cotton Ginnery in Cayon is set to support heritage tourism. Climate Stress: A bush fire in Conaree was reported amid drought conditions, with authorities noting no injuries.