THE Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) is reporting a successful fourth annual Saint Lucia North American Showcase.
The event, which was held from July 28-31 at the Johnsons Centre and Pigeon Island National Landmark, celebrated top performing tour operators from the United States and Canada.
The three-day event brought together key tourism stakeholders from the United States, Canada and Saint Lucia that included the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association, the Ministry of Tourism, tour operators, industry experts, and hoteliers.
Building on the success of previous years, the North American Showcase continues to grow, attracting more than 25 international wholesale and tour operator representatives and 60 local hotel and destination management company partners.
Hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Showcase connects North American-based tour operators with local owners and executives of tourism-related services to strengthen and build relationships.
Five leading tour operators from the US and Canada were recognized during the Showcase for exceptional production and sales performance for 2015. Top awards went to:
• The Top Producing Tour Operator for Canada: Air Canada Vacations
• Stellar Sales Support from a Tour Operator in Canada: WestJet Vacations
• Stellar Sales Support from a Tour Operator in USA: Apple Leisure Group – Travel Impressions
• Top Producing Online Tour Operator: Expedia
• Fastest Growing Tour Operator: Costco Travel
• Top Producing Traditional Tour Operator for 2015: Apple Leisure Group – Travel Impressions
“ The Saint Lucia North American Showcase is our way of saluting their hard work and dedication, while also celebrating the combined efforts which are largely responsible for the island’s continued increase in tourism numbers from North America,” explains Director of Tourism, Louis Lewis.