Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire recently provided an update regarding the transformation of the hospitality industry to benefit the people of Saint Lucia.
Dr. Hilaire emphasized the need to reshape the tourism sector to ensure that more Saint Lucians can reap its rewards. He underscores the importance of overhauling the hospitality industry for the betterment of Saint Lucians.
He stressed the urgency of creating a tourism industry that provides greater benefits to a wider segment of the population, rather than just a privileged few.
“How are we shaping a tourism industry that can bring greater benefits to more Saint Lucians,” said Dr. Hilaire.
He argued that the tourism industry cannot continue to function as a sector “where a small group of persons get huge benefits and most Saint Lucians feel isolated, and they’re not really part of enjoying that pie.”
The minister highlighted the importance of community tourism and proposed initiatives to ensure that all Saint Lucians can partake in the industry’s success.
Dr. Hilaire called for swift action and collaboration to maximize the industry’s potential for the benefit of everyone in Saint Lucia.
Added Hilaire: “We had to start transforming it, coming up with a new structure and a new set of offerings that can allow ordinary Saint Lucians to be part of the tourism industry in a more meaningful way.”
Emphasizing the significance of community tourism, the minister has put forward a series of initiatives to guarantee that all Saint Lucians have the opportunity to partake in the industry’s prosperity.
He contends that if the Saint Lucian citizenry “cannot see benefits in the tourism indsutry …it will start to diminish, and that is the reason we are so supportive of community tourism. Because, we believe in that programme we offer so many more opportunities for the communities and the average Saint Lucian to benefit.”
The objective is to revolutionize incentives and concessions for local entrepreneurs entering the tourism sector.
Dr. Hilaire is calling for decisive and concerted action to fully maximize the industry’s potential for the welfare of all individuals in Saint Lucia.