Saint Lucia's tourism sector experiences remarkable growth under Ernest Hilaire

Castries, Saint Lucia: The tourism sector of Saint Lucia has proven to be an effective pillar of its economy under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire. With its expanded air access and impressive cruise arrivals, the country has reaffirmed its status as the premier tourist destination. The statistics from different sectors have been marking the effective vision of Tourism Minister Hilaire who pledged to pave the path of a greener, more sustainable future for Saint Lucia’s tourism. In the cruise economy, the country has recorded a 10.2% increase in the number of stopover visitors in the first two months of 2024 which is larger than the growth experienced in 2023.

Cruise Economy

Under the leadership of Dr Ernest Hilaire, the February month of 2024 has remained successful for the 2023/2024 cruise season of Saint Lucia. With a growth of 12.1% in stopover cruise visitor arrivals, the country received 132,265 visitors in February 2024, 14.6% more than the 115,446 cruise visitors received in February 2023.

In addition to that, the number of step-over visitors has grown from 34,638 in February 2023 to 38,837 in February 2024. The entire statistics showcased the implementation of the strategic ideas of the tourism ministry which aimed at benefiting the economy as well as the locals of Saint Lucia.

Terming cruise as the backbone of the tourism economy, Minister Hilaire cited, ”Cruise tourism is aimed at benefiting our taxi drivers, restaurants, beach chair rentals, vendors, sites, attractions, small business holders and tour guides. This is the time to make our cruise season a massive success and innovative way to enhance passenger spending.”

[caption id="attachment_70860" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Saint Lucia's tourism sector experiences remarkable growth under Ernest Hilaire[/caption]

At the start of the season, Dr Hilaire announced that the Saint Lucia tourism industry anticipated recording one of the largest cruise ship seasons this year with the arrival of around 650,000 visitors through 400 cruise calls and 18 inaugural calls. The anticipation of Minister Hilaire has been fulfilled with the growth of the sector in the first two months of 2024.

Through the sector, Deputy PM Hilaire has been working to enhance the reputation of the Caribbean’s premier tourism destination which is providing financial boost to the communities and the entire country.

Expansion of the airlift sector

Minister Ernest Hilaire has used the airlift sector significantly to boost the tourism sector of Saint Lucia. The country has been planning to welcome an additional 113,000 airline seats by the end of this year, marking a significant rise compared to 2023.

The substantial increase reflected the proactive and visionary leadership of Minister Hilaire who aimed at progressing the airlift sector with a sustainable approach. As per the statistics, Saint Lucia is all set to welcome 40,000 more seats in the upcoming summer season, consisting of an additional 3,000 seats from the broader Caribbean region.

The airlines including JetBlue, American Airlines, interCaribbean, and Caribbean Airlines are slated to offer expanded service to Saint Lucia. Minister Hilaire managed to secure the expanded service of JetBlue which will operate daily flights from New York to Saint Lucia from June 13, 2024.

American Airlines will also contribute to its tourism sector with the service of double flights between America and Saint Lucia, starting June 5, 2024.

The daily flights will be given by interCaribbean Airways between Barbados to Saint Lucia, connecting Jamaica. Another regional airline Caribbean Airlines will also operate weekly flights between Saint Lucia and Jamaica via Trinidad.

[caption id="attachment_70861" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Saint Lucia[/caption]

The airlift sector of Saint Lucia has gained further growth with the much-awaited service of Air Adelphi, connecting Martinique, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent. Through the innovative ways of Ernest Hilaire, the airline started providing thrice a weekly service, starting April 15, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The entire sector has showcased the innovative leadership of Minister Hilaire who secured several significant collaborations and partnerships in the cruise as well as airlift industry. Saint Lucia has been positioned as the premier tourist destination with its unique offerings and approach to one of the best honeymoon destinations.

The island’s tourism sector anticipated promising development on the horizon as it gears up to accommodate the surge in these two sectors. This has been marked by the steadfast commitment of Minister Hilaire who aimed at providing seamless travel options to tourists and enhancing the locals, thereby growing the economy.