Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has called on public sector departments to enhance their operations, particularly regarding their representation on major tourism committee boards.
He made this appeal during the 19th quarterly meeting of the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) at the Stolen Time Resort, in Vigie, on Thursday.
Dr. Hilaire expressed concern over the lack of urgency among committee members, highlighting that meetings have been postponed twice due to the absence of a quorum.
The Minister expressed frustration with inefficiencies within the public sector, warning that delays in decision-making are costing businesses valuable time and money and jeopardizing Saint Lucia’s competitiveness in tourism. He emphasized that while delays may be tolerated in the public service, they come at a considerable cost to the private sector.
“I cannot accept that meetings are postponed due to a lack of quorum,” Dr. Claire stated firmly.
“While everyone wants to be part of the committee, their unavailability for meetings ultimately slows down progress,” he added.
“Time is money for them,” he remarked, urging public servants to become more agile and responsive to the needs of businesses and investors.
The Tourism Minister provided a comprehensive update on developments within the hospitality sector, focusing on improving the country’s product offerings and marketing strategies.
Key stakeholders, including personnel from the Ministry of Tourism, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), and representatives from the private sector, gathered to discuss crucial matters affecting the hospitality industry.
As the tourism sector in Saint Lucia navigates increasing competition and emerging challenges, Dr. Hilaire urged all stakeholders to move beyond discussion and engage in decisive action. He called for open dialogue, stronger collaboration, and a heightened sense of urgency from both the public and private sectors to safeguard the future of the island’s primary revenue generator.
Addressing geopolitical tensions affecting the hospitality sector, Dr. Hilaire noted ongoing issues with connectivity, especially pertaining to low returns from the French market. He mentioned operational challenges with backup ferry services connecting the French Isles to Saint Lucia.
In response to the department’s initiative to establish adequate leisure spots across the island, he announced several upgrades and the construction of beach facilities designed for both visitors and locals.
Dr. Hilaire highlighted key infrastructural developments nearing completion, including the Underwater Sculpture Park and the Anse Fer Lookout, aimed at enhancing the destination’s appeal. He also discussed ongoing updates to legislative and policy frameworks intended to reinforce the tourism sector.
While providing statistics on visitor arrivals, he addressed airlift challenges and proposed measures to mitigate these obstacles, emphasizing the need for assertiveness in tackling issues in partnership with private entities.
Discussions also turned to the impact of crime on the tourism industry. Dr. Hilaire noted the establishment of collaborative efforts with the police force and other agencies to address crime concerns effectively.
He emphasized the importance of networking community organizations to enhance safety, particularly in the Soufrière area. Connectivity throughout the region and the island’s recent tourism performance also featured prominently in the discussions.