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Tourism is growing and thriving in Saint Lucia because the winter vacation season approaches, based on the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
This 12 months to this point has seen record-breaking visitor arrivals, the return of events, and a big variety of tourism developments.
“Our record-breaking tourism figures from July, paired with our successful Carnival events this summer, have set the stage for what’s shaping as much as be an incredible winter tourism season for Saint Lucia,” said Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire.
“Our area people is engaged and we’re welcoming visitors with new tourism opportunities, our renowned cuisine, and most significantly, our famous Saint Lucian hospitality.”
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Breaking Records with International Visitors
In July 2022, Saint Lucia recorded greater than 39,000 visitors, probably the most outstanding performance and the biggest variety of stayover arrivals in any one-month period for the reason that Covid crisis began.
By the tip of July, Saint Lucia had recovered 80% of 2019 arrivals from global markets.
Moreover:
● The U.S. had its highest ever arrivals, surpassing 2019 levels for five out of seven months from January through July, 4 of which were record-breaking. The ultimate August figure is predicted to be similarly strong.
● The European market has been desperate to return to Saint Lucia as well. The UK surpassed 2019 levels in March and April and was shy of July 2019 arrivals by just 3%.
● These arrival figures are significant because they illustrate that tourism in Saint Lucia will not be only back, it’s indeed growing and thriving.
● As well as, the Saint Lucia independent culinary and restaurant sector reported that July was their best performing month this 12 months.
Airlift from international markets has been exceptional, reflecting the airlines’ confidence within the recovery of our island.
This summer, Saint Lucia had 72% more seats than in 2021 and surpassed 2019 levels by 9%. Since 2019 was a record- breaking 12 months, this signals that Saint Lucia’s airlift is amazingly strong.
We proceed to work closely with the airlines to extend the frequency of flights from our key feeder markets – and to also introduce airlift from new cities.
SAINT LUCIA IN DEMAND: EVENTS ON THE RISE
The joyous sound of Saint Lucia Carnival was heard across the Caribbean and the world this summer.
Saint Lucia welcomed greater than ten thousand visitors during Carnival festivities, absorbing the return of this beloved cultural event.
This was the primary major international event for the reason that pandemic, and it set the stage for the return of other events, similar to the much-anticipated Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts festival.
As previously announced, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will return from May 5 to 14, 2023 after a three-year hiatus.
The festival will return to its original format, including R&B, hip hop, reggae, and Latin music – in addition to a showcase of local artists. The lineup guarantees to be exciting and can be announced to the general public soon. It’s going to be a must-see event for all music fans.
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Saint Lucia is constantly providing new vacation options for visitors and developing experiences that showcase Saint Lucian culture and in addition involve our local communities in tourism activities.
We’re thrilled that our rapidly expanded adventure offerings recently landed us the designation because the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure destination by the World
Travel Awards.
We recently added more ATV Experiences, and off-the-beaten-path activities like our Three Peak Challenge which involves the climbing of each Piton mountains and Mount Gimie.
Saint Lucia is a hot spot for hotel growth, with several international brands committing to new hotels, and developments in our locally-owned sector and hotel expansions.
A couple of highlights include the new Sol Sanctum boutique resort; Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia opening on December 1 as the primary AMR Collection resort on the island; and in March 2023, the East Winds resort will debut a serious expansion with 48 new rooms and a renovation of 26 cottages.
STRONG GLOBAL MARKETING EFFORTS
Our teams in Saint Lucia and world wide work 24/7 every single day of the 12 months to market Saint Lucia to international audiences.
Saint Lucia attracts visitors for its renowned diving and adventure, romance experiences, weddings and honeymoons, and family travel.
Our sales, marketing, public relations, and promoting teams study the tourism trends in our key markets and develop creative programs that make Saint Lucia stand out among the many crowded Caribbean and warm-weather vacation market.
These programs encourage first-time and repeat visitors to experience our diverse and authentic activities just like the rainforest, the mud baths, and our beloved Pitons; our truly one-of-a-kind resorts; and our welcoming people.
For instance, our sales road shows were back in force this summer within the U.S., Canada, and UK.
These immersive experiences brought the island’s culture, music, and cuisine to major cities.
Because the winter tourism season approaches, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will proceed to work with local and international partners to reinforce the island’s status and grow visitor arrivals.
SOURCE: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority
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