by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) concluded the 2026 Caribbean Showcase in St. Kitts and Nevis from August 22–25, 2026, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Over 120 travel advisors, suppliers, regional tourism leaders, and industry partners gathered to connect and expand growth opportunities for Caribbean tourism.
The showcase provided attendees with firsthand experience of the culture, hospitality, and travel infrastructure of St. Kitts and Nevis and Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO, praised the Federation.
“It’s been so wonderful to be here in St. Kitts. We brought about 100 travel advisors from the United States, and we have greatly, greatly enjoyed being here so far. From the moment we landed, you get the topography of this beautiful island nation. People have been so incredibly gracious, and we’ve just felt so welcomed and so relaxed being here in St. Kitts.”
Danielle Weekes, Business Development Manager for North America at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, shared the impact of having industry stakeholders in the Federation, which bolstered the standing as a choice destination.
“We did some hotel site visits, and the agents were definitely delighted with the different properties. Some of them are already saying, you know, they have their clients that they can share with the different hotels. So the experience has been good, and I’m very happy for the opportunity to connect with some of the travel advisors that are here, and also some of our supplier partners.”
Outside of the tours to the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Caribelle Batik at Romney Manor, and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, event-goers also visited Nevis, where advisors saw the island’s historic estates, scenic viewpoints, villages and hot springs.
Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, expressed that hosting ASTA has been a boost to the destination, introducing the island to stakeholders who have never been.
“Speaking to some of the travel advisors who have been there for the past couple of days, it has been exceptional. A lot of those who’ve been here, it’s their first time visit, and they’ve been blown away by the experience, by the destination, and by our products. ASTA, they have over 80 travel advisors in the association, and bringing those agents to the destination to experience it firsthand is one of the ways that the SKTA is trying to build our trade market.”
The four-day event was held in collaboration with and sponsored by the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and served as a hub for destination immersion, professional education, and strategic business development.
