PM Drew Eyes Homeporting Deal with P&O Cruises
BASSETERRE: Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew met with senior leadership of P&O Cruises aboard their ship while docked in St. Kitts, signaling a major push to deepen the Federation’s cruise tourism ties — including a target to launch homeporting operations on island by 2027.
The high-level meeting brought together Carnival UK President Paul Ludlow, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs Marie McKenzie, and Vice President of Marine & Port Operations Sander Groothuis, alongside local ministers Hon. Marsha Henderson of Tourism and Hon. Konris Maynard of Public Infrastructure.
At the heart of the talks was a strategic roadmap for sustainable growth and improved port operations, with homeporting — where a cruise ship begins and ends its voyage at a given port — emerging as the headline ambition.
Prime Minister Drew has underscored just how economically vital cruise tourism remains to the Federation. A Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) study noted that the average cruise visitor spends US$135.94 per visit.
“The multiplier effect of such a spend has been and continues to be critical to the economic sustenance of our people,” Dr. Drew said. “In 2019, pre-pandemic tourism accounted for at least 40 percent of our GDP.”
The Prime Minister has pledged that St. Kitts would not rest on its laurels, promising continued product innovation to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers.
“St. Kitts as a destination will continue its efforts to diversify its products through innovation and creativity,” he said. “We understand that our visitors are seeking enriching, authentic experiences and it is our goal to deliver nothing less.”
If the 2027 homeporting target is achieved, it would mark a significant milestone for the Federation’s tourism sector, potentially bringing increased visitor arrivals, longer stays, and greater economic activity to local businesses and service providers.
