The Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) has temporarily halted its proposed fee increases for the Sulphur Springs Park and other managed sites following public outcry.
The decision came after sharp criticism from local vendors, tour operators, and political figures who argued the hikes were poorly timed and unjustified.
The Sulphur Springs, a major tourist attraction in Saint Lucia, is famed for its drive-in volcano, mineral-rich mud baths, and therapeutic waters.
Attracting over 200 000 visitors annually, the park provides revenue for the SRDF which also manages other key attractions in the area, like the Gros Piton Trail and the Soufriere Jetties. However, the site’s management has been contentious, with persistent allegations of mismanagement and political interference.
The latest controversy erupted on May 26 when the SRDF announced increased entry fees for non-residents, set to take effect June 1. Adult bath fees rose from US$10 to US$12, child baths from US$5 to US$6, and adult tours from US$9 to US$10.
The move drew immediate backlash. A small tour operator, speaking anonymously, called the timing “bad” and noted the lack of facility upgrades.
“This is the off-season for tourism and all of a sudden we are hearing of this increase,” the operator told St Lucia Times. “I really do not think it is deserving because we have asked for improvements to the toilet facilities… and that has not been done.”
Vendors also feared the hikes would further hurt already sluggish sales.
Former Soufriere MP Senator Herod Stanislas condemned the increases as “illogical and unwarranted”, pointing to declining vendor earnings and neglected infrastructure.
He revealed an unpublicised SRDF letter raising monthly vending fees from EC$50 to EC$200, a fourfold jump he called “unaffordable” for mostly women and single mothers.
“While visitor numbers have risen during the high season, overall spending has declined,” Stanislas said. “This means that, despite increased foot traffic, vendors are earning less than ever.”
He also criticised the SRDF for failing to repair hurricane-damaged jetties, posing safety risks.
“The current leadership of the SRDF must be held accountable for undermining both the organisation’s integrity and the reputation of Soufriere/Fond St Jacques,” he said, demanding a full rollback.
On Thursday, the SRDF announced a “temporary hold” on the fee adjustments, citing a need for “broader conversation” with stakeholders.
The statement emphasised a commitment to “structured dialogue” to balance tourism needs with community resilience.
“Considering recent developments, there is a recognised need for a broader conversation about rescue arrangements, docking policies, charging structures, and operational protocols,” it said. “SRDF is initiating this pause to allow space for meaningful engagement around these issues and to support the development of a comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable approach to tourism management in Soufriere.”
In its earlier announcement of the increases, the agency said the decision was made after “careful consideration of what it takes to properly maintain and improve the sites we manage”, and “following consultation with stakeholders and tourism partners”.
Stanislas welcomed the pause but noted concerns remain: “This is just a temporary hold. We still have the $200 increase hanging over vendors’ heads… as well as the jetty fees hanging over the heads of the boaters.”
He noted that no timeline was listed for consultations and reiterated calls for urgent jetty repairs ahead of the peak hurricane season.
St Lucia Times reached out to the SRDF for clarification on vending fees and other issues but received no response by publication time.
