ON the heels of United Airlines December launch of non-stop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), visitor arrivals from the midwest region of the United States increased by a record-breaking 15 percent between January and April of this year.
According to the St. Lucia Tourist Board, overall travel from the United States experienced a 4.9 percent increase January through April, maintaining its position as Saint Lucia’s key source market by welcoming more than 56,000 visitors.
The month of April led the first four months of the year with a nearly an 8.6 percent increase in American tourist arrivals compared to 2015.
“It is exciting to see the direct correlation between United Airline’s new service from Chicago and the increase of American visitors from the midwest region,” explains Director of Tourism Louis Lewis. ”Combined with the ongoing hotel development projects and new direct flights, Saint Lucia is primed to welcome new and repeat visitors.”
Saint Lucian hoteliers have embarked on a series of development and renovation projects across the island including Rex Resorts, Royalton Luxury Resorts, and the Harbour Club on the Rodney Bay Marina, which will result in the addition of more than 700 new rooms by the end of 2016.
“Together with our hotel partners we strive to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, which begins before they even step on the island,” said Tracey Warner-Arnold, deputy director of tourism. “The recent launch of a new destination website gives visitors access to a dynamic and responsive site with a map explorer component that highlights hotels, local restaurants, and a variety of activities throughout the island, including special markets such as weddings.”
Warner-Arnold noted that the Tourist Board has developed specialized campaigns designed to grow niche markets such as “Saint Lucia Rocks This Summer” for families and Chocolate Heritage Month in August to spotlight the island’s cocoa history and culinary strengths.