The commencement of the British Airways flights to and from Guyana has opened the door for collaborations between Guyana and Saint Lucia – and both countries’ Tourism Ministers see the sky as not a limit, but a tourism and travel bridge.
Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said this is so because British Airways flies between the United Kingdom and Guyana, with one stop in Saint Lucia.
During the recent welcome ceremony at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for British Airways’ inaugural flight to Guyana, the tourism minister said its induction represents “opportunities for partnerships”, as she was also about to leave with the flight to Saint Lucia.
She said: “Not only does this flight open travel between the UK and the respective nation, but it also presents opportunities for travel between Saint Lucia and Guyana to boost our inter-regional tourism.”
Walrond added that this now brings additional options for Guyanese wishing to experience the Saint Lucia Jazz festival while similarly, Guyana can promote events such as the Cricket Carnival to the Saint Lucia market.
Recognising this potential, she added that the two countries have begun “tourism twinning” to combine two distinct appealing experiences into one package.
Adding to this was Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, who said Saint Lucia is happy to be sharing the milestone with Guyana, as this was also a milestone for the island.
“I cannot recall if there has ever been a direct flight from Guyana to Saint Lucia.
“So, while this is a milestone for you, the flight returning is a milestone for Saint Lucia and we’re really grateful for us to have this gateway between Guyana and Saint Lucia,” Dr. Hilaire said.
He said that the route will help in building the Caribbean bond, adding that it will also help Saine Lucia’s tourism as they welcome visitors from Guyana.
Dr. Hilaire related that with the ease of access that the flight offers, the two countries will have to start thinking about multi-destination marketing.
He remarked that Saint Lucia has developed a strong tourism product and as such has a lot to share with Guyana in relation to tourism and hospitality.