Hotels and tourism operators in Saint Lucia are using the off-season to refurbish, train staff, and promote staycations, while some, like ferry service FunToSee Island, report steady demand despite the slowdown. Industry leaders say the dip in visitor arrivals is expected, but careful planning and reinvestment help them stay prepared for the busy “winter” season.
With Saint Lucia’s tourism sector in its traditional off-season, hotels, tour operators, and other stakeholders are navigating the slowdown by turning to refurbishments, staff initiatives, and staycation promotions while some operators report steady business despite the lull.
According to Noorani Azeez, chief executive officer of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, the dip in activity during September and October is expected.
“The actual impact in occupancy levels has not really shifted. It usually falls off the cliff during this time of the year, and you know the rooms are more or less upgraded and refurbished in anticipation for winter,” he explained to St. Lucia Times.
Azeez added that while the season offers properties the chance to “engage in refurbishment and soft furnishing,” it can hit service providers harder due to reduced cash flow. Still, he noted the growth of the Airbnb sector has helped spread benefits into local communities, though those operators also feel the slowdown. He encouraged Saint Lucians to explore discounted packages during this time, saying, “Here’s an excellent opportunity to take advantage of these discounted prices and…experience and enjoy it.”
For hotels, the strategy seems to be using the downtime wisely. Executive director of Bay Gardens Resorts, Sanovik Destang, said that although occupancy dips, they typically remain open.
“Our occupancy is probably averaging between 55 and 65 per cent right now…you don’t necessarily [turn] a profit… but we generally do stay open during that time because we’re usually able to cover all operational costs.”
He noted that during the tourism season their occupancy ranges from 75 to 95 per cent.
Destang highlighted that Bay Gardens is heavily invested in renovations, including new villas and facility upgrades, while also rolling out employee initiatives.
“We [are] actually using September to launch a series of employee initiatives… and of course a lot of training.”
Meanwhile, some operators are experiencing little to no downturn. Chief operations officer of FunToSee Island, Mike, said, “We have been doing fine. No noticeable slowdown…what we do is gaining popularity.”
FunToSee Island is one of Saint Lucia’s airport transfer services providing a ferry service (water taxi) between Hewanorra Airport and virtually all of the resorts and Airbnb’s on the island.
He explained that the ferry and airport transfer service has seen steady demand, possibly capturing “a bigger percentage of people who are taking the ferry”.
Across the sector, industry leaders agree that while the off-season poses financial challenges; careful planning, reinvestment, and creative offerings keep tourism stakeholders afloat until winter arrivals return.
