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In a groundbreaking move set to reshape Caribbean tourism, Kelly Fontenelle, a distinguished figure in the travel industry, has been named CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, effective July 1. Fontenelle’s appointment is expected to herald a new era of strategic innovation and global marketing prowess for St. Kitts, capitalizing on her extensive experience and visionary leadership.

A Visionary Leader with Proven Success

Fontenelle, a native of St. Lucia, is no stranger to transforming tourism landscapes. With over 25 years of expertise in the tourism and event management sector, she has been a formidable force in Caribbean travel and the romance market. Her prior role as CEO of Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean, a thriving Facebook-based agency group, saw her navigating the post-pandemic travel recovery with exceptional skill.

Transformative Plans for St. Kitts Tourism

In her new role, Fontenelle will spearhead international marketing efforts for St. Kitts, focusing on strengthening travel trade and airline relationships. She is tasked with formulating strategic plans across earned, paid, and owned media, while fostering lucrative partnerships and facilitating stakeholder communication. Her leadership is anticipated to drive high demand for St. Kitts among air and cruise passengers, significantly boosting the island’s tourism sector.

Endorsements from Industry Leaders

Marsha T. Henderson, St. Kitts’ Minister of Tourism, lauded Fontenelle’s appointment, highlighting her transformative impact on tourism organizations. “The wealth of experience Ms. Fontenelle-Clarke brings to the table, particularly in Caribbean travel and the romance market, is truly admirable. Her innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships are expected to elevate St. Kitts’ tourism to new heights,” said Henderson.

Strategic Focus Areas

Fontenelle will prioritize leisure and cruise tourism, two consistently high-performing areas for St. Kitts, and will also target the romance and MICE markets to maximize tourism’s economic benefits across the island. Her previous successes, such as the development of the Saint Lucia Expert loyalty program and a Romance Specialist Program, underscore her capability to drive impactful initiatives.

Looking Ahead

As Fontenelle steps into her new role, the tourism industry eagerly anticipates the innovative changes she will bring. Her appointment not only signals a strategic shift for St. Kitts but also represents a significant milestone for Caribbean tourism as a whole. With Fontenelle at the helm, St. Kitts is poised to become a leading destination in the region, attracting visitors with its unique offerings and robust tourism infrastructure.

Stay tuned as St. Kitts embarks on this exciting new journey under the dynamic leadership of Kelly Fontenelle, a true game-changer in the world of Caribbean travel.