Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire predicts a bright future for the local hospitality industry, despite a temporary reduction in room availability due to major upgrades at several hotel properties.
At a recent media briefing, the minister confidently presented the latest statistics regarding the industry, focusing on visitor arrivals to the destination.
He emphasised that August 2025 figures show a 2% increase compared to August last year.
“While we are currently 3% lower on a year-to-date basis (January to August 2025) than during the same period in 2024, which was our strongest year to date, it’s important to note that July and August arrivals have outpaced those of 2024,” Minister Hilaire stated.
He acknowledged a slight decline in the first half of this year compared to 2024 but reaffirmed, “We are still below the record numbers of last year.”
Furthermore, Dr. Hilaire pointed out significant growth in the U.S. market.
“However, we are facing challenges in the Canadian and UK markets, but we also saw increases from the Caribbean.”
He addressed on going challenges in the industry, specifically, “We are currently experiencing a considerable number of hotel rooms out of circulation, with over 1,000 rooms, equating to 25% of our total room stock, undergoing refurbishment and upgrades.”
The minister emphasised that despite the reduced room availability presenting challenges for the industry and visitors, it also signals positive progress as hotels enhance their offerings.
He stated, “While refurbishment works will continue over the next two to three months, we expect all rooms to be available by November. This situation, while challenging, is still encouraging.”
Minister Hilaire affirmed, “Despite this challenge, we are achieving better numbers than last year, which motivates us.”
He added, “We continue to see rising arrivals from the United States and a decline from the United Kingdom. We conducted an in-depth analysis of these trends and convened an engagement with the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Authority (SLHTA) to present our marketing plans and address the challenges we face.”
The minister said, “We must prepare for some structural challenges ahead, and in the next two to three years, we anticipate a significant increase in the number of available rooms in Saint Lucia. This is essential for boosting our airlift, and we must also monitor average daily rates closely.”
He concluded, “This is a critical issue for us to discuss. However, we remain optimistic. Despite any pessimism, the tourism industry is on a solid trajectory, and we expect significant developments in the near future.”