Saint Lucia records 7% surge in tourism, Dr. Ernest Hilaire appreciates

Ernest Hilaire mentioned that Saint Lucia is doing better, in terms of tourism than in 2019 as nation has recorded 7% surge in tourism sector.

23rd of April 2024

2024 Proving To Be Saint Lucia’s Best-Ever Tourism Year. (Credits: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Facebook)

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Deputy Prime Minister, Ernest Hilaire appreciated the performance of the tourism industry in 2024. In the first quarter of the year, the island nation experienced a seven percent increase in tourism.

He considered this year as the best as it brings laurels to the tourism industry with the continuous efforts of the officials of the Ministry of Tourism, potential stakeholders, tour guides and various tourism agencies.

The DY PM of Saint Lucia, who is also serving as the Minister for Tourism revealed this important update during his pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday.

“If all goes well and we are expecting this year to be our best year on record”, stated Tourism Minister Hilaire.

In picture: Ernest Hilaire. (Credits: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Facebook)
In picture: Ernest Hilaire. (Credits: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Facebook)

He further mentioned that Saint Lucia is doing better, in terms of tourism than in 2019. The DY PM Hilaire revealed that his ministry has noted a seven per cent increase in the visitors or travellers in 2024.

The tourism minister Hilaire expressed his excitement as the nation is going to host Jazz event in May and Carnival in July. Such an events offers an opportunity to the visitors to experience the vibrant culture, rich heritage and mouth-watering delicacies of Saint Lucia.

“I believe we’re up seven per cent on 2019, which is very good, and we have jazz coming up in May, carnival in July”, highlighted tourism minister.

While speaking at the press-briefing, he added the fact that Saint Lucia will host many other additional events on its island including cricket in September and Creole Heritage in October.

Noting this, these events will bring number of tourists in the country. He assured that every visitor will have a great experience as he is also preparing to enhance the accommodations.

“Once we start off the GPH development, we have so much coming on- the Grand Hyatt in Choiseul. Saint Lucia is really going to be enjoying a special period in terms of economic development”, stated DY PM Hilaire.

A beautifully captured landscape of Saint Lucia. (Credits: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Facebook)
A beautifully captured landscape of Saint Lucia. (Credits: Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Facebook)

Upcoming events in Saint Lucia

Recently, a teaser for Jazz and Arts Festival 2024 was released on April 18 at Reduit Beach, which promised to offer an unforgettable experience and evening full of music.

It is to be noted that various exciting activities will take place during the festivities. Many renowned musicians and artists will grace the island nation with their stunning performances in several genres such as,

  • Pop
  • Reggae
  • Afro beats
  • Jazz
  • Rock
  • Gospel
  • Soca
  • Zouk

The Jazz and Arts Festival will begin on April 30 till May 12, with everyday live performances of the different artists.

DY PM Hilaire launched Saint Lucia Carnival 2024 with full excitement. He called this event as “biggest festival” it has ever seen. As per information, the series of events will begin from July 1 to 17, 2024.

Carnival will host various events including various competitions and pageants. Such events provide an opportunity to the nationals of the country to showcase their talent, creativity, and skills.