THIS year’s Saint Lucia Showcase – North America held on Wednesday was a very productive and successful event.
Hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, the Showcase brought together hotels, destination management companies (DMCs) and tourism officials with North American-based tour operators that sell Saint Lucia as one of their primary destinations.
The event attracted 15 tour operators and over 30 hotels, along with several DMCs attending. Participants got the opportunity to network and build business relationships with each other in an effort to promote and sell Saint Lucia as a premier vacation destination. Additionally, they are able to reacquaint themselves with the island and strengthen their knowledge of the destination.
Addressing the official opening ceremony, Minister for Tourism, Dominic Fedee, emphasized that the tour operators in the key markets of the United States and Canada were vital partners in boosting the growth of the local tourism sector.
Executive Chairperson of the SLTB, Agnes Francis, also highlighted the importance of the tour operators and said it was due to their active participation in activities such as this that Saint Lucia continues to be a competitive destination.
The Gala Awards Dinner held at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa formed part of the event and the three top producing tour operators were recognized as follows: Air Canada — top producer in Canada; Travel Impressions – top producer in the U.S.; and Expedia – top online producer.
The event was also covered by leading U.S. travel publications, Recommend Magazine, Travel & Leisure and Elite Travel Media Group.
The SLTB is satisfied with the successful hosting of its fifth Saint Lucia Showcase – North America and appreciates the support of all its partners and sponsors that made it possible. It looks forward to hosting the event next year as it continues to ensure the growth and competitiveness of the island’s tourism industry.
