Lucian Carnival 2025 generated more than US$100 million for Saint Lucia’s economy, according to Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire, who says the event continues to play a major role in the island’s tourism industry.
Hilaire revealed the figures while speaking at the official media launch for Lucian Carnival 2026, as anticipation builds for this year’s celebration.
He underscored the importance of carnival to the island’s tourism product, noting that July, the height of the carnival season, is also the country’s busiest month for visitor arrivals.
“July is actually the month of our largest arrivals in this country—almost 40,000 visitors come to this country in July. About 25,000 last year said they came for carnival,” Hilaire said.
The minister added that visitor satisfaction with the event remains high, with many indicating a strong interest in returning.
“Almost 80 per cent of visitors who came for carnival said they want to come back to celebrate carnival in 2026,” he said, adding that many visitors described the experience as “one of the most amazing experiences of their life.”
The figures shared by the minister were based on preliminary findings from a survey conducted among visitors who travelled to Saint Lucia for carnival last year. The survey also included recommendations aimed at improving the carnival product and overall visitor experience.
With anticipation already building for Lucian Carnival 2026, officials say the event continues to prove its value not only as a cultural celebration but also as a major economic driver for the country.
Tell us what was done with some of those monies..
I very, very, very seriously doubt it. Someone doesn’t have a concept of $100 million dollars USD. This amount can pass for gold dust in some circles. I think I am a bit savvier and worldly.
100
I definitely want to know where all that money is going. Please sir, let us know.
I definitely want to know where all that money went. What economy are you referring to?
Y’all just want to justify spending so much on something that has become so disgusting that children should not be allowed to watch it.
Please do yourselves a huge favor and allocate a few 💰💰💰💰💰to your health care system…quoting your article
“Lucian Carnival 2025 generated more than US$100 million for Saint Lucia’s economy, according to Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire, who says the event continues to play a major role in the island’s tourism industry.”
It’s amazing how we have figures for this and not for the passport sales??? Can we see actual receipt for this 100 million???
“Over US$100M” now that’s a marketing sound bite if ever I heard one.
Where’s the source Mr Minister, not sauce but source, Treasury, SLHTA, Statistics?
Journalist, please start asking the relevant questions.
Don’t get me wrong I am overwhelmed for any boost to our economy however …