Local tour operator and Chief Executive Officer of Father Nature Adventures, Jn Louis Mathurin, is advocating for the sport of hiking to be taken more seriously as part of the island’s tourism product.
Approximately 70% of Saint Lucia is mountainous, making it one of the more rugged islands in the Caribbean. The island is characterised by a central mountainous region, which includes peaks like Mount Gimie (the highest point at 950 meters/3,117 feet) and the world-famous Pitons.
Mathurin, who was part of a crew that completed Saint Lucia’s three-peak challenge within 10 hours, advocated for the addition of competitive hiking to the sports tourism calendar, noting:
“I think competitions would be huge for us. If we can have people try to beat our 10-hour three-peak record, climbing Mount Gimie, Petit Piton, and Gros Piton, or we can see who can go up one of the mountains the fastest, it can make for healthy competition to market this sector and invite more people to St. Lucia.”
However, in order to develop the sports side of hiking tourism, Mathurin believes that it is imperative that the authorities maintain trails in hiking areas.
“I would first focus on maintenance and trail development. For example, the Petit Piton is a trail that is dear to my heart. But one of the reasons why other people are afraid of it is because the trail is not 100 percent developed. So, let’s just say 40 percent of the population can do it because they’re strong enough. If they develop the trail, I believe at least 60 percent should be able to go up easily. The current condition is not safe, which pushes people away. I believe trail development will be one of the main things that will strengthen the market. That goes for waterfall trails as well.”
“With fewer complications, like making sure railings are fixed and the steps are in good condition, and ensuring that places with snakes are properly cleared, I think we can improve our product. Also, marketing within the hotels, partnering with different Airbnbs, and hotels will help our offering reach a wider audience.”
Mathurin notes that he has seen a peak in his hiking tours, particularly since Saint Lucia won the award for Leading Adventure Tourism Destination. He believes there is a particular market for young athletes, who see Saint Lucia as a content hub.
“I’ve noticed my hiking tours have increased. It may very well be because my business has grown, but I’ve definitely been getting more bookings since our Adventure Tourism award. People have their eyes on Saint Lucia, and when they see the Pitons, it’s something they want to conquer. Gen Z and millennials want to utilise the natural beauty of the island for content.”
Overall, Mathurin, a conservationist at heart, implored Saint Lucians to protect the island’s most valuable natural resources for the best outcomes for everyone.
“We have to make sure we preserve our cultural heritage. That will ensure the long-term availability of hiking for our guests. The more we protect it and preserve it, the more financially beneficial it becomes for the locals.”
Great idea – but you need to ensure precautions and extreme safety. You don’t want to have folk hurt or impacted in anyway.
He is spot on. Father Nature is continuing the work of a long line of local conservationists, who have keptnreminding that we CAN and SHOULD preserve the environment while making bank. Nature’s bounty may seem endless but there is a tipping point at which it can become inhospitable for us humans. We must act accordingly.
This is a tight interview from St. Juste.