Saint Kitts and Nevis Advocates for Community-Based Heritage Tourism at OAS Congress

The Organization of American States (OAS) convened the Twenty-Sixth Inter-American Congress of Ministers and High Authorities of Tourism in Washington, D.C., under the theme “Harnessing the Power of Heritage Tourism for Development in the Americas.” This two-day conference served as a platform for member states to share best practices and strategies for leveraging cultural heritage as a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Ms. Tivanna Wharton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism for Saint Kitts and Nevis, delivered a compelling presentation that showcased the Federation’s innovative approach to heritage tourism, highlighting its potential for community empowerment and economic diversification. Her address emphasized the integral role of micro and small tourism enterprises and community-based tourism models in achieving inclusive economic growth, resonating strongly with the Congress’s overall vision.

Ms. Wharton articulated Saint Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to utilizing tourism as a tool for empowerment, rather than merely an industry. Under the leadership of Minister Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, the Federation has implemented a strategic approach since 2022, focusing on connecting local entrepreneurs with key stakeholders such as cruise lines and industry leaders. Practical workshops have been conducted to equip vendors, artisans, and performers with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop market-ready experiences, ensuring they can effectively capitalize on tourism opportunities. This commitment extends to integrating the vibrant local culture into the visitor experience, transforming it from mere entertainment into a source of economic opportunity for the cultural bearers themselves.

Central to Saint Kitts and Nevis’s tourism strategy is the showcasing of the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Ms. Wharton highlighted iconic landmarks like the Brimstone Hill National Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic Old Road Rum Distillery, nestled beneath the renowned Caribelle Batik. She also promoted major cultural events such as Sugar Mas, Culturama, Restaurant Week, and the St. Kitts Music Festival as key attractions that generate substantial income for the local community. Emphasis was placed on structuring vendor marketplaces to prioritize local businesses, ensuring that the economic benefits of these events reach the grassroots level, even while international headliners attract large crowds.

Further demonstrating its commitment to community empowerment, Saint Kitts and Nevis is launching the Heart of the Community Incubator. This initiative aims to specifically empower Afro-descendant communities by providing marketing support, small business grants, and mentorship opportunities. The program will offer specialized workshops on digital marketing, equipping local tourism enterprises with the tools and knowledge to connect with global markets and expand their reach. This initiative complements the Federation’s existing policies, which include tax incentives for small, locally owned businesses, the protection of cultural heritage sites, and mechanisms for measuring community-level impact, all designed to foster a sustainable and inclusive tourism sector.

Ms. Wharton underscored the importance of community engagement in shaping tourism development, citing a recent study conducted in partnership with Sustainable Travel International. The study revealed that 77% of residents expressed a strong desire to play a more active role in shaping the future of tourism in their communities. The government is responding to this call by providing funding, training, and opportunities for greater inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are widely shared and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. This participatory approach reflects a commitment to responsible tourism development that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of local residents.

In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, Ms. Wharton concluded her presentation by aligning Saint Kitts and Nevis with the broader OAS mission of uplifting Afro-descendant heritage throughout the Americas. She emphasized the shared commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural legacy of Afro-descendant communities, from the quilombos of Brazil to the Maroon communities of Suriname and the Gullah-Geechee culture in the United States. This shared vision recognizes the power of cultural heritage to drive economic empowerment and promote social inclusion, uniting diverse communities across the Americas in a common purpose. By sharing their unique stories with the world, these communities are not only preserving their cultural heritage but also contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive global tourism landscape.