Saint Lucia’s tourism sector achieved significant milestones in June 2024, driven by a surge in visitor arrivals and enhanced air connectivity. The island’s successful hosting of ICC World Cup Cricket matches, combined with improved infrastructure, has reinforced its position as a premier destination for sports tourism.
In June 2024, Saint Lucia welcomed 38,394 visitors, a remarkable 42% increase compared to the same period last year. The United States, the island’s leading market, saw a notable 55% month-on-month increase, supported by a 60% rise in air seat capacity compared to June 2023. Key enhancements included additional services from American Airlines and JetBlue, responding to growing demand from Miami, New York, and Charlotte.
The Caribbean market also experienced substantial growth, recording a 24% increase in arrivals following a 67% rise in seat capacity. The additional seats arose from InterCaribbean’s increased frequency, Caribbean Airlines’ expanded service from Barbados. and Sunrise Airways’ new service from Antigua, and Dominica.
Non-traditional markets saw a remarkable 315% increase in arrivals, driven by visitors and players attending the ICC matches from countries such as India, South Africa, Afghanistan, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, underscored the economic impact of visitor spending and sports tourism, stating, “Saint Lucia’s appeal as a destination, coupled with its world-class infrastructure, has positioned it as an ideal host for major events like the ICC World Cup Cricket matches. June 2024 marks the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking arrivals and the fifth record – breaking month of 2024. This therefore underscores Saint Lucia’s international appeal, which augurs well for the marketing of the destination and the development of the local economy.”
Year-to-date figures reveal Saint Lucia is ahead by 15% compared to the first half of 2023 and 6% ahead of the same period in 2019, demonstrating sustained growth in the tourism sector.