MERCURY Beach, an event that began in Martinique as a “thank you” to those who purchased Mercury engines, has grown into a massive niche.
The event recently found its home in Saint Lucia, and according to Maritime Consultant Cuthbert Didier, Mercury Beach is poised to boost Saint Lucia’s mainstay tourism industry during the slow season.
Didier said: “August is unique. It’s summer. We also have hurricanes and a lot of the marinas see a drop in occupancy. The Mercury Beach event fills up Rodney Bay Marina, and also Marigot, but it also reminds our neighbours in Martinique that we have the infrastructure, so it sells Saint Lucia as a sailing weekend excursion for our French colleagues.”
Didier said the three-day, four-event festivity will increase foreign exchange and help boost the economy.
Didier said: “Mercury Beach benefits us in a lot of ways. One critical thing is that it fills rooms. The economic footprint of Mercury is very broad—from the coconut vendor to the five star hotel. In August, when we have the Staycation promotion, traditionally hotel occupancy is low. Mercury is a boost to many hotels, small properties, villas and private properties.”
Mercury Beach begins tomorrow and concludes on Sunday. Over 7000 visitors were recorded at the 2015 event. Organizers hope to accommodate even more this year.(GIS)