Saint Lucia’s tourism economy continues to progressively rebound with visitor arrivals for the Month of June exceeding optimistic projections set for that period by 34%. The destination welcomed 21,357 visitors which represents an increase of 7, 018 arrivals over May 2021.

The same period, when compared to 2019 shows that the US Market has almost made a full recovery as one of the strongest months on record with 92% of visitor arrivals. The UK market also reflects considerable growth, which stands at 4% of arrivals both for June 2021 and year-to-date. In increasing opportunities for travel from that market, the UK has also officially eliminated quarantine on return from Amber Countries for fully vaccinated travelers.

The highly anticipated month of June saw the introduction of an inaugural and well-performing weekly flight out of Dallas, Texas, and the reintroduction of service from New York with American Airlines, as well as the reinstatement of cruise services to the destination with 414 passengers. Ancillary service providers to the cruise sector are also reporting a good month with increased business especially in areas of shore excursions and pleasure cruises.

Since the introduction of expanded access for fully vaccinated visitors and nationals, across the island, accommodation providers are reporting moderate to high occupancy levels with several operating at the fully recommended capacity, thus positively impacting all classifications of room stock.

“To date, the tourism sector accounts for over eight thousand who are re-employed since easing of restrictions amid the pandemic. All efforts are geared towards the reinstatement of more employees during this difficult time and seeing more visitors come through our shores, which ultimately means a direct injection into our local economy” said Tourism Minister – Hon. Dominic Fedee.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is projecting very strongly for July and has thus far commemorated the introduction of a new nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This is an added flight that provides greater access and connectivity to the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and by extension Philadelphia.

In increasing access to Saint Lucia, regional carriers like Intercaribbean, LIAT, and Air Sunshine are already contributing to increased airlift this summer. Air Sunshine has also added direct routes from St. Croix and St. Kitts into the destination.

The resumption of inter-island ferry services between Martinique and Saint Lucia commenced on July 8, and Trinidad, another major Caribbean market announced a phased reopening of its borders on July 17, with anticipation of direct services to follow thereafter.

With access to more gateways coupled with the ease of the Travel Registration process and direct services to the island, more and more visitors are making Saint Lucia their destination of choice for romance, family getaways, culinary experiences, adventures, business, sports, international film backdrops and much more.

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