ASTA Selects St. Kitts as Host for 2026 Caribbean Showcase
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has officially announced that the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase will be hosted in St. Kitts from August 22 to 25, further cementing the organization’s commitment to fostering collaboration between U.S. travel advisors and Caribbean destinations. The announcement was made by Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism for St. Kitts, during a press conference on the island earlier today.
The 2026 Showcase will take place at Marriott’s St. Kitts Beach Club and is expected to bring together top travel advisors, destination representatives, and industry leaders for an immersive program focused on education, networking, and cultural discovery. The event offers participants a unique opportunity to experience the destination firsthand while strengthening professional partnerships.
“The Caribbean Showcase is a cornerstone of ASTA’s commitment to building meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships between advisors and the destinations they sell,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. “We’re thrilled to bring this program to St. Kitts in 2026, where advisors will gain firsthand knowledge and inspiration to better serve their clients while supporting the region’s sustainable growth.”
Kelly Fontenelle, Chief Executive Officer at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, highlighted the strategic significance of hosting the event. “St. Kitts being selected as the host country for the 2026 ASTA Caribbean Showcase is a testament to the significant strides that the island has made in increasing its brand visibility,” she said. “Travel advisors play a critical role in driving visitation, which is integral to our marketing strategy.”
Minister Henderson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine relationships with travel advisors. “In St. Kitts, we prioritize the art of personal connections with our travel agents,” said Henderson. “ASTA’s travel advisors will benefit tremendously through fostering deeper connections with the island, which ensures that when they sell the destination to their clients, it is executed meaningfully.”
The 2026 Caribbean Showcase will feature a dynamic blend of business sessions, marketplace meetings, and destination experiences. Attendees will participate in educational seminars, supplier meetings, and curated excursions across St. Kitts and Nevis, offering direct engagement with local partners and a deeper understanding of the islands’ natural beauty, culture, and hospitality.
In addition, Minister Henderson will address participants during the event’s general session, reinforcing St. Kitts’ dedication to empowering travel advisors as trusted partners in driving tourism growth and visitor satisfaction.
Pre-registration for the 2026 Showcase opens October 30 for members of ASTA’s Ambassadors Circle and attendees of the 2025 Caribbean Showcase. Chapter presidents, board members, and Verified Travel Advisors may register beginning October 31, with general registration opening to all ASTA members on November 3. Suppliers interested in participation can contact Erin Hulscher, Director of Business Development, at ehulscher@asta.org to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged to secure a place in this premier Caribbean event.
