Saint Kitts Airlift Capacity Sees 15% Increase in Q1 2025

The tourism sector in Saint Kitts experienced robust growth in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted marketing strategies and strategic partnerships in attracting regional and international travelers. Airlift passenger arrivals surged to 46,641 between January and March 2025, marking a significant 15% increase compared to the 40,476 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2024. This positive trajectory reflects a sustained recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeding pre-pandemic figures for the peak season spanning November to March. The increase underscores the island’s growing popularity as a preferred travel destination.

The growth momentum also extends to the peak travel season, with 78,077 airlift passengers recorded between November 2024 and March 2025. This figure surpasses the 77,000 passengers recorded during the pre-pandemic period of November 2018 to March 2019, and significantly outperforms the 68,170 passengers who traveled between November 2023 and March 2024, a period still marked by post-pandemic recovery efforts. This consistent upward trend demonstrates the resilience and appeal of Saint Kitts’ tourism offerings.

The sustained growth can be attributed to proactive efforts to expand air routes and develop new connections. In February 2025, the Ministry of Tourism actively participated in Routes America, a key industry event held in Nassau, Bahamas. This platform facilitated crucial discussions with airline partners, focusing on strategic plans for expanding existing routes and establishing new flight connections. The collaborative approach has proven successful in bolstering airlift capacity to meet the growing demand for travel to Saint Kitts.

The positive impact of increased airlift is evident in the rising occupancy rates reported by hotels across the island. During the first quarter of 2025, hotels registered an average occupancy rate exceeding 70%, underscoring the direct correlation between airlift capacity and visitor arrivals. This healthy occupancy rate reflects the strong demand for accommodation in Saint Kitts and contributes significantly to the overall economic performance of the tourism sector.

Furthermore, airline partners have expressed satisfaction with the high load factors observed on flights to Saint Kitts, consistently exceeding an average of 70%. This high level of passenger volume signifies that Saint Kitts is not merely on the travel radar but has emerged as a preferred destination for travelers. The island’s appeal is attracting a substantial number of visitors, solidifying its position as a sought-after vacation spot.

Looking ahead, the tourism sector in Saint Kitts anticipates continued growth in the second quarter of 2025, fueled by major events such as the highly anticipated St. Kitts Music Festival scheduled for June and a series of international cricket matches. These events are expected to attract a substantial influx of visitors, further boosting hotel occupancy rates and supporting the overall growth of the tourism industry. The combined draw of these cultural and sporting events will reinforce Saint Kitts’ reputation as a vibrant and dynamic destination.