Montego Bay, Jamaica - During the first day of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 42, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority presented exciting updates on the island's tourism performance and upcoming developments for 2024. The press conference featured Senator Guibion Ferdinand, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information; Thomas Leonce, Director of the SLTA Marketing Subcommittee; and Dexter Percil, SLTA Marketing Manager.

Saint Lucia achieved new records in 2023, garnering global recognition and numerous prestigious awards. Arrival figures indicate a 90% recovery of arrivals from 2019 and a 7% growth compared to 2022. In the first quarter of 2024, the island surpassed not only 2023's records but also those of 2019, setting new arrival records in January and March.

Saint Lucia will receive an additional 40,000 airline seats this summer compared to the previous summer. In the United States, American Airlines and JetBlue have reinforced their confidence in Saint Lucia. JetBlue will add a new double daily flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK) to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), operating from June 13 to July 23, 2024. American Airlines will also increase its flights from Miami and reintroduce an additional non-stop winter flight from JFK.

From Canada, Air Canada and WestJet will offer direct flights twice a week from Toronto. In the Caribbean, Sunrise Airways will start operating routes connecting Antigua, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts, and Dominica from May 28, and negotiations continue for new routes with various airlines.

Saint Lucia's hotel sector will see significant growth with the opening of new properties in 2024 and 2025, including Destination by Hyatt, Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, Courtyard Marriott, and the development of the Cannels Resort complex. Investments are also being made in wellness and luxury, such as "TheLifeCo Well-being" and "Sapphire Sands Villas by Bay Gardens."

The Castries port is undergoing renovation to enhance the cruise passenger experience. Twenty inaugural calls are expected, with a 10% increase in cruise arrivals in 2024, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

Saint Lucia has launched the Story Map and Smart Tourism project, allowing visitors to navigate Castries via QR codes providing information about the island's history and culture. Additionally, the "Shop Local" program promotes local products and benefits both visitors and the local community.

Events and Happenings in 2024

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, held from April 30 to May 12, was a resounding success, with seven nights of main events featuring pure jazz, gospel, world rhythms, and more. The island welcomed thousands of visitors from 36 different countries, solidifying its position as one of the top festivals in the Caribbean.

Upcoming highlighted events in Saint Lucia include:

ICC T20 World Cup: June 4 to 30, 2024, with significant infrastructure improvements. Saint Lucia Carnival: July 10 to 17, 2024. Premier League Cricket T20: August 15 to September 22, 2024. Other cricket tournaments scheduled for August and November.

Guibion Ferdinand expressed his enthusiasm for the developments and Saint Lucia's commitment to sustainability and excellence in the tourist experience. "Our ongoing integration of sustainable tourism and destination management will allow us to continue growing and offering unique and unforgettable experiences to our visitors," he stated.

Saint Lucia thus positions itself as a leading destination for adventure tourism, nature, and honeymoons, solidifying its presence on the global tourism map and attracting an increasing number of visitors each year.