Starfish hotel set for demolition to pave way for new hotel developments: Minister Hilaire

Saint Lucia: The Minister of Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire, announced that the demolition of the Starfish Hotel will begin in April 2024 to pave the way for a new hotel development in Saint Lucia. The announcement came as the island is experiencing continuous growth in the tourism sector.

The island is drawing both cruise visitors and vacationers, and this expansion has also prompted the initiation of significant projects at Mount Gros Islet and the refurbishment of multiple hotels along Reduit Beach.

The announcement was made by Minister Hilaire during a recent press conference, during which he said that the government is looking forward to expanding the tourism sector more in 2024. While talking about the new hotel development, Dr Ernest Hilaire said, "In April, starfish will be broken down, and Mystic will continue to open. In fact, there is such a huge demand for rooms in Saint Lucia now."

He added that he thinks that the developers are thinking of extending Mystic to the end of the next season because they are already fully booked.

The Minister added that after the demolition is completed, a groundbreaking ceremony will follow, initiating a series of similar events scheduled for the next couple of months.

Dr Hilaire mentioned that Lifecore Wellness Resort has already started clearing the ground and undertaking building rehabilitation works.

He outlined, "The Atlas Development, Lifecore the Wellness Resort, work has started in terms of clearing the site and for the refurbishment of the existing buildings, and we expect to have a sort of ceremony at the end of May for the actual construction to start."

Ernest Hilaire also talked about hotel developments in Black Bay and said that as the tourism industry continues to grow steadily, such developments pave the way to accommodate more people. He also highlighted that some hotels are already fully booked in advance for the coming months.

While reiterating his commitment towards the expansion of Tourism sector he said that the Ministry is dedicated to explore every necessary avenue to improve the sector.

He also noted that such endeavours aim to enhance Saint Lucia's tourism capabilities and generate additional job prospects on the island.

The island is also looking towards transforming and upgrading Port Castries into a modern cruise ship facility. This will also assist the cruise passengers to indulge in everything local being provided by various vendors at the port.

With all these developments, visitors can expect getting much more during their Caribbean vacation to Saint Lucia.