The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is pleased to announce the addition of a new non-stop flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) this fall/winter season with WestJet Airlines.
The highly anticipated return of WestJet comes after 20 months, following the cancellation of all major airlines to the destination in March 2020 amid the Covid-19 global pandemic. A short video on the arrival of WestJet on November 7th can be seen here.
WestJet winter flight schedule from Toronto (YYZ) to Saint Lucia (UVF) will operate once-a-week every Sunday until January 2022, then increases to (2) weekly flights every Sunday and Thursday beginning February 17th, 2022.
Touching down at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) located in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, WestJet landed with a combined total of 98 passengers. The return service to Toronto (YYZ) departed with 30 passengers.
WestJet’s Captain, Linn Ryan was presented with a commemorative plaque, alongside Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the (SLTA) Board, and Paul Collymore, President of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association.
“A warm welcome to WestJet and the crew after a long lockdown. We’ve always said that airlines are not just solidified, but a partner, and we hope to grow the partnership as we move forward, remarked Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the (SLTA) Board. “The return of WestJet is a huge milestone for Saint Lucia as it was our last key source market to reopen. The additional service provides Canadians with more viable options to visit Saint Lucia this winter”.
“We will continue to drive our marketing efforts in Canada to showcase the islands unique offerings through targeted marketing and public relations campaigns. As travel restrictions begin to ease globally, we are looking forward to bringing in 2022 and re-establishing a strong relationship with the Canadian market”.
Canadian visitors must obtain a negative PCR (Polymerized Chain Reaction) test within five days before travel to Saint Lucia. To ensure a seamless airport experience, all visitors and returning nationals must complete a Pre-Arrival registration form before departure, found on www.stlucia.org. The page features a checklist overview of mandatory requirements to ensure that visitors are not denied entry upon arrival.
Covid Safety & Protocols
Saint Lucia has implemented various health and safety measures to protect residents and visitors as part of its phased reopening plan. A non-electronic wristband was introduced for fully vaccinated travelers to allow expanded island access. Visitors can book car rentals and dine at more restaurants, all while observing existing on-island protocols.
Unvaccinated travelers will receive a bracelet that identifies them as long-stay visitors after 14 days on the island. Starting on day 15, they are free to explore the island while observing standard Covid protocols such as physical distancing and wearing masks in public places. Detailed information on the latest travel protocols can be found at www.stlucia.org/covid-19.