The Saint Kitts Tourism Authority has named Chelcie Lewis as its new UK sales and marketing consultant – a new role for the organisation – as it looks to grow its presence in the British market.
Lewis brings 16 years’ industry experience to her new position with Saint Kitts from previous roles in the luxury tour operating sector, as well as with Caribbean hotels and tourist boards.
In the newly created role, Lewis will lead all UK sales and marketing activity for Saint Kitts, supporting efforts by the authority's UK trade team to engage agents. She will also work with airlines and operators to boost awareness of the destination and drive visitor growth.
Melnecia Marshall, the authority's deputy chief executive, told TTG Lewis's role would be instrumental in strengthening relationships with the trade and placing a focus on its recently announced homeporting agreement with P&O Cruises.
"Chelcie will speak to agents about what homeporting will look like, and what the destination has to offer their clients," she said.
Top source market aim
Following a recent familiarisation trip to Saint Kitts, Lewis said the island offers strong appeal for UK travellers thanks to its mix of rainforest landscapes, sandy beaches and unique food experiences.
She also highlighted the islands’s range of accommodation options and breadth of cultural and soft-adventure activities.
Her appointment comes as Saint Kitts looks to build its profile in the UK, a market Marshall described as having "so much potential" for the destination.
Saint Kitts partners with P&O Cruises to create homeporting opportunity
"We’re hoping to expand demand and increase our visibility in the UK market," she told TTG, adding the authority ultimately aims to move the UK from its current position as the third-largest source market to "second or first, if possible".
Kelly Fontenelle, chief executive of the Saint Kitts Tourism Authority, said Lewis’s knowledge of the UK market and Caribbean product made her a strong addition to the team.
She added: "We are thrilled to welcome Chelcie to our UK team, and look forward to seeing her drive growth and further strengthen the relationships with our valued UK trade partners."
