SAINT Lucia for the first time will host the prestigious World Travel Awards, at a grand Gala event, to be held tonight at the Sandals Grande.
According to the organizers, the event aims to honour the outstanding achievements of the Caribbean and the Americas in the tourism sector.
Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) Thaddeus Antoine expressed his delight and excitement and noted that this is a big achievement for the destination.
He said the event will help Saint Lucia to showcase its unique diversity and rich cultural heritage.
“Hosting the 30th annual World Travel Awards underlines Saint Lucia’s emergent status as a global tourism hub. This event serves as a convergence point for global industry leaders,” declared Antoine.
“Our selection as a host, reiterates our dedication to tourism excellence,” added the SLTA chairman. “This occasion is a unique chance to exhibit our event-organization capabilities, enhancing our image as a top-tier destination for both leisure and business travelers.”
He said there were “immense benefits” to be garnered from staging this globally renowned event and that, “Saint Lucia Tourism Authority takes pride in bringing this event to our people. Visiting delegates will relish first-hand the exceptional hospitality and breathtaking landscape that defines Saint Lucia.”
Added Antoine: “This exposure will not only captivate the senses but also create enduring impressions, motivating them to share their experiences, globally. Saint Lucia stands to benefit greatly from media coverage by prestigious outlets, such as; Breaking Travel News, TV Monde, Loop Caribbean and Reuters, along with Caribbean Focus Media including Caribbean Business Report by Saint Lucia journalist Bernard Fanis and …you, the (local) media houses.”
Noting the significance and magnitude of the occasion, he stressed: “Showcasing Saint Lucia’s diversity is very important to us, thoughtfully curated-in itineraries and activities will provide delegates and the media a glimpse into the diverse attractions and experiences that Saint Lucia offers.
“Hosting the World Travel Awards provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our island’s creative sector through cultural exchanges, performances, and much more.”
Antoine says the SLTA expects the economic impact to be “great” as the vent will attract visitors from various Caribbean countries and the Americas “stimulating demand for accommodation, transportation, dining, and other services”.
He said, this mega tourism event “will inject much-needed vitality into local businesses and entrepreneurs. Preparation and execution of the event will require additional workforce and thus also create temporary employment during the event.”
The SLTA chairman noted that the event “underscores both our and World Travel Awards team commitment, supporting our local community and fostering economic growth. The event exposure will have lasting effects, attracting a sustained wave of visitors to discover Saint Lucia through this event, and ensuring ongoing tourism growth.”
Antoine asserted: “The 30th annual World Travel Awards offers Saint Lucia an incredible chance to showcase its natural beauty, cultural richness, and tourism excellence.
“The event not only enhances our global profile but also brings concrete economic advantages, which will be a meaningful legacy for our island nation and our people.”
Additionally, he said, Saint Lucia has also been nominated for the World Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions [MICE] Award, and Caribbean Best Corporate Destination.
The SLTA official noted that “Saint Lucia has consistently demonstrated its prowess as a premier host for MICE…and our commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing exceptional experience for corporate retreats have truly set us apart and continue to do so.”