The Saint Lucia Cruise Port hosted the first-ever Cruise Connect Conference on Thursday, bringing together key stakeholders in the cruise tourism industry.
Attendees included cruise agents, tour operators, excursion leaders, ministry officials, and other prominent figures in Saint Lucia’s tourism sector. The event marked a significant step in the country’s efforts to further enhance its cruise tourism offerings and strengthen its position as a premier destination in the Caribbean.
The day began with an insightful review by Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister of Tourism, who provided a comprehensive overview of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry. The Minister highlighted the impressive gains made over recent months and shared the government’s ambitious vision for the future. Special emphasis was placed on the role of cruise tourism as a critical driver for the country’s economy, with ongoing plans to capitalize on the growing demand.
In his remarks, Minister Hilaire said, “Saint Lucia is poised for even greater success in cruise tourism. We are committed to leveraging the unique appeal of our island to attract more visitors, increase stayovers, maintain standards and ensure that our cruise guests have unforgettable experiences that will keep them coming back year after year.”
The conference also featured Mr. Gasper George, Director of Operations and Product Development, and General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, who provided a global perspective on the cruise tourism industry. In his presentation, George delved into emerging trends and challenges in the global market while highlighting the Caribbean’s strong position as a sought-after destination. His insights set the stage for discussions on how Saint Lucia can align itself with these trends to ensure continued growth.
Mr. Lancelot Arnold, Regional Director for Global Ports Holding (GPH) Eastern Caribbean and General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, took the gathering through the numbers, particularly focusing on high-impact traffic days. Arnold outlined operational strategies designed to maximize guest experiences during peak periods, underscoring the importance of efficient port management and seamless coordination with local stakeholders.
The day’s agenda also included an address by Mr. Mike Maura Jr, Regional Director for GPH Americas. Maura Jr outlined GPH’s broader regional and global plans for the cruise industry, as well as specific development initiatives for Saint Lucia. He noted, “Saint Lucia holds incredible potential for growth in cruise tourism. GPH is committed to working with local partners to enhance the port’s infrastructure, improve guest experiences, and support the island’s overall tourism objectives.”
The Cruise Connect Conference demonstrated Saint Lucia’s commitment to advancing its cruise tourism product and provided a platform for open dialogue between local industry stakeholders and international partners. With the collaboration and investment of GPH and other key players, Saint Lucia is well-positioned to attract increased cruise traffic and deliver world-class guest experiences.
Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP), a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding Plc (“GPH”) intends to support the expansion and enhancement of the Saint Lucian cruise tourism industry through an agreement with the Government of Saint Lucia for cruise-related development and operations. Through a 30-year partnership, Saint Lucia Cruise Port will collaborate with local industry leaders and stakeholders to design and build new port infrastructure, enhance the existing port facilities, and create more opportunities for Saint Lucians through cruise sector and destination development.