Castries, October 20, 2021- Tourism Officials from Saint Lucia will strategically position the destination, and place special highlight on Her immersive offerings, as industry representatives meet to participate in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference, taking place in Panama City from October 18-21, 2021. The high-level conference will allow industry leaders to network, share ideas, examine best practices, and establish business initiatives with top level cruise executives.
Leading Saint Lucia’s delegation is Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information – Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire. He is accompanied by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA)- Mr. Thaddeus M. Antoine, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism- Ms. Donalyn Vittet.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the world over, the importance of the cruise industry to the continued development of tourism dependent economies. The objective at this year’s FCCA conference, is to present brand Saint Lucia’s all-encompassing package, showcasing all vital linkage industries that support the cruise sector.” said Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire.
After more than a year, due to cessation of operations amid the global pandemic, cruise calls to Saint Lucia resumed on July 29, and arrivals are reflecting steady growth, month over month. Projections reveal that into 2022, the destination is positioned to receive over 375 cruise calls, with an optimistic projection of over 250,000 visitor arrivals.
The Saint Lucia delegation will seize the opportunity to update global cruise industry partners on plans for welcoming and increasing cruise arrivals during the covid-19 recovery period, expanding the island’s enchanting product offerings, future developments, and creating a vibrant environment that would allow Saint Lucians to maximize the benefits of cruise tourism.
For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit stlucia.org.
