Saint Lucia unveils new 'people-centred' tourism development act

The aim of the UK Showcase is to update industry partners on news and to hear from key operators, airlines and agents on what they need to market the destination to its optimum.

The Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Dr Ernest Hilaire confirmed a new Tourism Development Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation designed to transform the tourism sector. The ‘people-centred’ policy encourages more sustainable tourism through greater participation and ownership by Saint Lucians. Quality standards and incentives for local accommodation owners and operators will see more experiences on offer for visitors.

Planned projects include the renovation of the Choiseul Arts and Crafts Centre and restaurant,       upgrade of the Anse La Raye Waterfront and a new Seamoss experience in Praslin Bay with a tour and shops.

Hilaire, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, led the delegation from Saint Lucia.  He commended the UK travel trade on their support of the destination and updated on the importance of its sustainable tourism. The latest overall figures (July) indicate that visitors to Saint Lucia are up on 2023 so far this year to date by 17%. As of July, there have been more than 274,000 stay-over visitors in the first seven months of the year.  

A series of networking meetings and events took place covering Saint Lucia’s news, tourism developments and new information on accommodation and excursions. Key annual elements included a media lunch, Appreciation Dinner for senior UK travel executives and agent training. New for 2024 was an all-day consumer event attended by over 400 people in London.  The 2024 programme featured several other new elements including agents’ training events in Edinburgh and Glasgow plus a ‘Taste of Saint Lucia’ cookery class for influencers showcasing Saint Lucia’s culinary scene.

The senior delegation included the chairman of the SLTA Board Thaddeus M. Antoine and SLTA’s Head of Marketing Dexter Percil.