Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNTimes/Times Caribbean)—In a monumental achievement for the island’s tourism sector, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority has been accepted into the Virtuoso network, an elite group of luxury travel advisors and high-end travel services worldwide.
This prestigious partnership is expected to elevate St. Kitts as a premier destination for discerning travelers seeking bespoke experiences, aligning perfectly with Virtuoso’s reputation for connecting its clientele with the pinnacle of travel luxury.
A True Honour
In a recent statement, Kelly Fontanelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, expressed her excitement, saying, “Virtuoso’s acceptance process is incredibly selective, so becoming a preferred partner is a true honour.” She highlighted how this partnership will enable St. Kitts to exceed expectations by offering unique amenities and curated experiences for Virtuoso advisors and their elite clientele.
Global Reach and Strategic Growth
The Virtuoso partnership provides St. Kitts with unprecedented access to luxury travel agencies across North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. This global reach solidifies the island’s status as a year-round destination, transitioning from its traditional identity as a cruise hotspot to a coveted holiday locale.
St. Kitts has also ramped up its accessibility, introducing new direct flights from major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United. Fontanelle noted, “We are very excited that we have more airlift out of the U.S. market, which is our biggest market.”
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage
As part of its strategy within Virtuoso, the Tourism Authority is placing a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable tourism and authentic cultural experiences. This commitment resonates with Virtuoso’s values and appeals to luxury travelers seeking meaningful and responsible travel opportunities.
Travel Advisors as Key Partners
Fontanelle stressed the importance of travel agents in promoting St. Kitts, stating, “We really want to go strong in the trade because we believe that travel agents are a big part of selling a destination.” Initiatives like the St. Kitts Your Way (SKY) program, which offers travel advisors exclusive discounts and familiarisation trips, are at the forefront of this strategy.
Looking Ahead
With this groundbreaking partnership, St. Kitts is poised to thrive in the luxury travel market. The island is set to showcase its rich culture, vibrant festivals, gourmet cuisine, and stunning natural beauty to a global audience, solidifying its place as a top-tier destination for high-end travelers.
This collaboration with Virtuoso not only underscores St. Kitts’ commitment to excellence but also heralds a bright future for the nation’s tourism industry, promising economic growth and a sustained spotlight on the global stage.
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