Saint Lucia remains one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the Eastern Caribbean.

From January to July 2019 tourist arrivals have grown by 7.5 percent.

Figures from July 2019, when compared to July 2018 figures, showed an increase of 13 percent in tourist arrivals. Arrivals from the US market for July 2019 recorded a 23 percent increase.

According to Minister for Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries, Hon. Dominic Fedee, the figures demonstrate the demand for Saint Lucia Carnival.

“For the month of July, considered the traditional low period, visitor arrivals came in at an aggregate of 42,773. It has surpassed the winter months. This shows that the investment and policy shift of government to move away from the Jazz festival and to focus on our carnival has yielded significant benefits, and it has showcased our indigenous culture.”

The minister also highlighted the success of the recently-concluded ninth annual UK Showcase. He said along with a comprehensive marketing strategy, an additional USD$1 million will be injected into direct advertising in the UK market.

He also made mention of an anticipated increase in airlift from the UK market.

“Meetings were held with Thomas Cook, British Airways, and Thompson as airlines that have indicated significant interest in advancing capacity,” the minister said. “In the coming weeks we will be making a very specific announcement as it relates to how the individual carriers will be expanding their capacity into Saint Lucia. We estimate that based on the meetings, there will be about 500 to 750 extra seats coming to Saint Lucia from the UK on a weekly basis.”

During the UK Showcase, two fundraising charity initiatives raised EC$100,000 for the Saint Lucia Diabetes Association and the Boys Training Center.