Saint Lucia’s tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, achieving a landmark EC$3.5 billion in revenue last year, despite operating with 500 fewer hotel rooms. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire, announced the milestone during a press briefing on Monday.
“The total value of visitor arrivals reached EC$3.5 billion,” Hilaire stated. “Despite 500 less rooms, we were still able to have a record-breaking year in terms of arrivals.”
He also highlighted the growing role of alternative accommodation, such as short-term rentals and homestays, in boosting local earnings. Tourism Authority data revealed that over 30 ,000 visitors opted for Airbnb-style lodgings last year.
“When you translate the 30,000 persons in terms of dollar value, calculate the number of these by the average daily rate, it approximates to $79.5 million that would have been spent directly in the hands of local operators,” Hilaire said.
Moving forward, the ministry aims to further support community-based tourism by promoting small-scale providers and home accommodations.
“Our intention this year is to be able to expand that (and) to really promote… a collection of small dealers, as well as the home accommodation option, to get more visitors,” the minister said.
The recent Gimies Awards also underscored the industry’s appreciation for its workforce, honouring the dedication of hospitality professionals. “Even if you did not win, you’re still a hero,” Hilaire emphasised. “You are still somebody who has made a significant contribution, and we want to celebrate you as well.”
The record revenue reflects the sector’s robust performance, which he credited to Saint Lucian hospitality workers. “The Gimies was created for us… the industry partners who recognise the excellence of our hospitalitarians, the real persons who go out of their way to ensure that we deliver.”
As preparations begin for next year’s Gimies, Hilaire encouraged wider participation, stressing that tourism’s impact extends beyond economics – it’s about people.
“The government has resolved to continue the thrust to ensure that we get more of the money to be spent in Saint Lucia and to go into the pockets of Saint Lucians,” he said.
If you want to encourage foreigners to stay in smaller accommodations, you absolutely have to do something about your crime problem. Airbnb-type places are obvious targets for criminals because the locals know the guests are foreigners. The resorts have security but homes being used as vacation rentals in St. Lucian communities may lack those resources.
No, there is no upward trajectory. It happen because of “inflation” … says the guru. 😂😂😂
Yes 3.5 billions was made but all the profit goes back to the shareholders pockets. These hotels can make so much money, yet they have tax exemption.
And what was the expenditure?….so we can compare to know how “good” that is…
Very interesting The Minister would tort and glout in such a figure without breaking it down. How much of this was government revenue? What percentage was profit? What was last year figures to compare and extrapolate inflation versus expansion and growth that impact on every citizen. If it has been so good why are we not seeing it in our everyday lives?
Mr Minister the days when St. Lucians could not count and analyse is long gone.
If you are seriously shouting off the roof top be geniuning in your message that is transparency which you were elected to be but continue to fail miserably.
If thise numbers are correct, then the Airbnb sector now represents about one quarter of the tourism revenue. The multiplier impact of that airbnb money is probably much larger still because it’s like banana money: cash in the pockets of ordinary people. And ordinary people know how to make that dollar work for them.
BIG UP HONORABLE DR ERNEST HILIARE ON EORK WELL DONE IN THE TOURISM SECTOR. BLESSINGS TO THE MOST HIGH
BLESSINGS TO PJP AND CABINET OF MINISTERS
BLESSINGS UPON OUR COUNTRY ST LUCIA
@Anonymous you are absolutely correct – in addition, some folk are looking to pay off their mortgage overnight by charging folks excessive amounts of money for horrible places which are extremely unsafe and lack air conditioning units.
My sister visited last year and the rental did not have A/C and they were charged $900US per person for just a few days (she said she will never do that again) – some of you are too too greedy and inconsiderate. Someone else said that an ikea type bunk bed which was unbearable in another rental and the windows were not secure – you folk need to get a grip for real. I will not risk myself or my family – I am good.
And yet Virgin Atlantic dropped the route citing poor performance, something ain’t adding up.