The Whitsuntide weekend signaled an unofficial start to the summer for Saint Lucia with British carrier TUI’s return to the destination, marking the official reopening of several accommodation providers including BodyHoliday Saint Lucia, East Winds, and Royalton resorts.
The weekend welcomed over 2300 visitors to the destination breeding more optimism that Saint Lucia’s tourism will continue along a steady trajectory. Increased airlift during this summer from Saint Lucia’s main source markets has increased occupancy levels for several accommodation providers, which is vital for the continued revival of the tourism sector.
Internationally, added gateways to Saint Lucia will open on June 5th, with the introduction of American Airlines from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and the reintroduction of the airline’s service from New York’s JFK after more than a decade. JetBlue is also scheduled to introduce service from Liberty Newark International Airport on July 1st, and other international markets including Canada are scheduled to open in the weeks thereafter.
“I am very happy to see that the tourism sector is at the beginning of a rebound and this can only augur well for more jobs, business linkages, and more revenue. We are optimistic about the start of what is projecting to be an exciting summer, which means that hundreds of more tourism employees will likely return to work, noting that several taxi drivers, tour guides, vendors, and others have been disadvantaged amid the pandemic. Together, we will work diligently to restore Saint Lucia’s tourism product better than before”, remarked Tourism Minister, Hon. Dominic Fedee.
With continued destination marketing efforts, several global productions are choosing Saint Lucia for Her unspoiled backdrops for international placement with the biggest names in film. With the success of the recently hosted Global Virtual Roadshow which engaged Travel Advisors from 6 continents including Africa and Asia and episodes that have been viewed over 11,000 times, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is currently hosting its Virtual North American Roadshow with a highly engaged audience.
Saint Lucia was also amongst 28 countries recently represented at the Caribbean’s largest tourism marketing event, CHTA -Caribbean Travel Marketplace 39.
The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will continue to place special focus on key areas within major source markets of the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and by extension Asia, in reaping fruitful benefits for the destination.