by Brian Major
Last updated: 4:45 PM ET, Thu February 6, 2025
Greg Phillip is a former Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) who
today is CEO of Nevis Sun Tours, through which he provides visitors with an
insider's look at the verdant Caribbean destination, the smaller island of
dual-island nation St. Kitts and Nevis.
Encompassing only 36 square miles with a population of fewer
than 13,000 residents, Nevis offers an increasingly rare, sedate Caribbean experience that’s off the beaten path but
filled with historic and cultural authenticity.
In addition to Nevis’ mix of African, Caribbean and
European cultures and intriguing historic sites, Nevis Sun Tours provides visitors
with an insider’s view of the island’s lush natural landscapes (including 3,232-foot
high Nevis Peak).
Nevis history is closely tied to local and colonial
figures. The Bath Hotel and Spring House, built of stone in 1778, was reportedly
the Caribbean’s first tourist hotel and today sits on a renovated seven-acre property.
Travelers (and locals) can wade through the waters of a natural
thermal hot spring beside the property, which is said to have therapeutic
properties.
Nevis is also the home of U.S. statesman Alexander
Hamilton, who was born on the island in 1757. The Hamilton House in Charlestown,
Nevis’ capital, today also houses the Museum of Nevis History. A statue of
Hamilton was erected outside of the home in 2022.
Nevis Sun Tours offers excursions featuring these and other
Charlestown landmarks, and visitors will also find a variety of boutique luxury
hotels across the destination. Nevis will expand its luxury resort options with the 2028 debut of a
135-room Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences resort, with construction
slated to commence in the fall this year.
TravelPulse spoke with Phillip earlier this year to hear
his thoughts on travel to the Caribbean nation in 2025.
TP: How have travelers’ expectations changed in
the years following the pandemic?
GP: Since the pandemic, it’s clear that travelers now seek
deeper, more meaningful experiences. They want to connect on a more personal
level with the destinations they visit. In my view, this expectation is an
extension of a trend that had already begun before the pandemic, particularly
among younger travelers. However, in the post-pandemic era, it has expanded
across all demographics and truly blossomed.
TP:Do you believe that luxury
(including accommodations, experiences, etc.) has grown faster than other travel
categories?
GP: It’s hard to say definitively. While most of our
services cater to travelers seeking luxury experiences, we’ve noticed an
increase in bookings from those who aren't necessarily staying in luxury
accommodations or cruising on luxury ships. Yet, they still seek out our
luxury-oriented services. This may be an indication of growth in the luxury
segment.
TP:How have these trends
impacted Nevis Sun Tours and its offerings?
GP: The recent trends in travel have increased demand for
suppliers like Nevis Sun Tours, who specialize in organized logistics and
delivering creatively immersive experiences. Travelers to St. Kitts and Nevis
are more discerning; they seek destination immersion and meaningful exchanges.
That’s why our brand of hospitality emphasizes authentic
dialogue, community involvement, and storytelling, which aligns with what
they’re expecting from their visit.
TP:What new or noteworthy
tours is Nevis Sun Tours offering?
GP: Our most popular tour remains the Alexander Hamilton
Island Tour, and for good reason: It checks the critical boxes all of our tours
hit—it’s authentic, immersive, intimate, and storied. Plus, it takes place
right on the island where Alexander Hamilton was born, which adds a unique
element.
For those looking to explore both islands, our St. Kitts
in One Day and Nevis in One Day excursions are fantastic
options, offering a full experience for travelers no matter which island
they’re staying on.
We’re also debuting a few new tours this fall, and I’m
particularly excited about The Dinner Garden at Passion. This dining experience
is set to elevate our local cuisine like never before, bringing innovation to
the local food scene.
TP:How do you see your
business developing over the next few years?
GP: We're thinking long-term about the value we bring to
travelers and travel professionals alike. Our mission is to make booking and
selling Caribbean vacations to St. Kitts and Nevis easier for everyone.
God willing, in the coming years, travel advisors,
travelers, meeting and event planners, along with our hotel partners and
suppliers, will increasingly appreciate the ease of doing business with us.
As a DMC specializing in FIT and small groups, we are
focused on growing in this area. When we achieve our mission, we aim to be the
leading DMC for FIT and small groups.
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