The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) Secretariat travelled to Guyana recently to participate in a 3-day trade show coordinated by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
Prior to the March 27 introduction of British Airways flights from Gatwick International Airport, United Kingdom to Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Guyana, via Saint Lucia, the marketing trip was aimed at tapping into the potential of the Guyanese market.
The new route will be operated twice weekly using a Boeing 777-200ER, which has the capacity to carry 332 passengers.
The trip provided officials with a unique opportunity to build relationships with key decision-makers and increase bookings and revenue through a meeting with travel advisors, a trade education seminar and mall activations. The SLHTA was represented by CEO Noorani Azeez and Business Development Officer Juliet Sutherland.
“Over the past few months the Caribbean source market has suffered due to the ongoing situation with regional airlift,” noted Azeez. “With the introduction of the BA flights, Saint Lucia stands to benefit immensely. We are pleased to be in Guyana to help promote the Helen of the West and drive business for our members.”
SLHTA members enhance Hyperbaric Chamber
Saint Lucia’s sole Hyperbaric Chamber has been enhanced following the acquisition of a new Oxygen Sensor. The donation was made possible through the generous support from SLHTA members Windjammer Landings Beach Resort, Royalton Resorts, Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, Anse Chastanet/ Jade Mountain and SunSwept Resorts.
In 2020 the SLHTA assumed responsibility for the Hyperbaric Chamber which is used to deliver hyperbaric oxygen therapy primarily to divers, fishermen and diabetics. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment and is a well-established treatment for decompression sickness, a potential risk of scuba diving. It is also used to treat:
– serious infections
– bubbles of air in blood vessels
– wounds that may not heal because of diabetes or radiation injury. (MayoClinic)
Dr. Gavin Melville of the St Lucia Hyperbaric Chamber has expressed gratitude for the timely donation: “The equipment enhances the safety and efficiency of the Chamber and replaced an older limited Oxygen sensor that was previously in use,” he explained. “The 2-part system monitors oxygen levels within the chamber so that those values do not exceed the recommended safe limits for chamber occupants. Additionally, the unit monitors temperature, an upgrade from the previous analog gauges.”
Dr. Melville added: “The external and internal units were successfully installed, tested and calibrated recently and are ready for hopefully long and uncomplicated service, without the need for frequent adjustments as was previously necessary. Many thanks to all of the contributors and hotels that made this possible, and to the chamber staff who worked tirelessly to accomplish the installation.”