Saint Lucia records 9% growth of visitors in May 2024 compared to last year

Castries, Saint Lucia: It is a huge milestone for the tourism sector of the country as Saint Lucia welcomed 36,375 stay-over arrivals in May 2024. This large number of visitors marks a significant 9% increase as compared to May 2023.

Notably, the total arrivals of the visitors till May 2024 are 660,521 which is 4% more over the same period in comparison to the last year.

The total number of visitors recorded in first five months of 2024 include,

• January: 36,863 (8% growth compared to 2023)
• February: 38,837 (12% rise over 2023)
• March: 44,561 (13% rise over 2023)
• April: 37,588 (9% rise over 2023)
• May: 36,375 (9% increase over 2023)

This huge success is attributed to the vibrant and electrifying Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival and the impactful marketing initiatives which played a huge role in enhancing the regional connectivity and attracting large number of visitors.

The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival is a highlight of the island’s cultural calendar which is also considered as the biggest crowd driver for the country. This year’s festival featured an exciting lineup of artists and a diverse array of arts and cultural activities which attracted large number of audiences from all over the world and displayed the rich cultural heritage of the island nation.

While shedding light on the strategies that proved to be successful in increasing the growth of the visitors. The Government of Saint Lucia mentioned that the extensive marketing campaigns that shed light on the festival and the destination played a huge role in attracting large number of visitors to the nation. They also mentioned about the introduction of Air Adelphi and Sunrise Airways which boosted the regional connectivity and offered enhanced travel options to all the visitors from the neighbouring islands.

The Minister of Tourism of Saint Lucia, Dr Ernest Hilaire expressed his excitement on witnessing large number of visitors in May. He stated that the success of the events hosted by them coupled with the unwavering efforts, marketing strategies which has made Saint Lucia a premier destination for all the travellers. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders and partners who have played a significant role in this achievement.

The Government of Saint Lucia also extended invitation to all the visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s stories and experiences. They stated that Saint Lucia has everything to offer to their visitors from the warmth of the mud baths to cool of the lush rainforest.