Excitement is building as the Saint Lucia Tourism Awards steps into its fourth year, officially unveiling the Top 9 finalists competing for this year’s coveted GIMIES People’s Choice Award. Selected for their outstanding contributions to visitor experiences, innovation, and community impact, these finalists represent the very best in tourism excellence.

The People’s Choice Award celebrates the power of public support, giving travellers, guests, and community members the opportunity to recognize the individual that has captured their hearts and provided excellent service in the tourism industry.

After a competitive nomination period and strong public engagement, the Top 9 finalists are now moving onto the online voting round. Supporters are encouraged to cast their votes and help determine which top 3 finalists will take home the GIMIES People’s Choice title at this year’s Saint Lucia Tourism Awards ceremony.

According to the Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage

“Since the inception of the Saint Lucia Tourism Awards, the GIMIES, the commitment to ongoing progress and enhancement within the tourism sector has been a driving force behind the event’s annual achievements. This dedication to improvement has fostered a culture where participants notably improve their service, resulting in a noticeable elevation in the quality of nominations each year.”

As the judges prepare for the fourth edition of the GIMIES, they have observed with enthusiasm that individuals and organizations in all categories who were previously unsuccessful have returned, demonstrating significant growth and presenting themselves as stronger contenders. This evolution reflects the industry’s resilience and its relentless pursuit of raising standards, thereby ensuring that the Awards remain a true reflection of tourism excellence in Saint Lucia.

The top nine candidates vying for the GIMIES People’s Choice are:

1. Akim Francis, Chef, Bursting with flavour aka 5 Star
2. Avelyn Joseph, Owner, Happy Nest
3. Elver Descartes, Tour Guide, ATV Direct
4. Heidi St. Clair, Owner, St. Clear’s Sitting Services
5. Iva La Toya Lewis, Celebrity Make Up Artist, Glamour Art By Toya
6. Kirk Elliot, Community Based Tourism Entrepreneur, St Lucia by Kirk
7. Michel Gaspard, Civil Status Marriage Officer, Freelancer
8. Ngugi Lucien, Vegan Chef, Grassrootz Vegan Cuisine
9. Shervon Charles, Tour Guide, Unique Stables 758

Voting is now open and will close on 31^st March 2026. The public is encouraged to follow the official GIMIES Instagram and Facebook pages to make their vote count.

As we journey to excellence at the GIMIES, key industry and corporate partners have answered the call and pledged their support.

Presenting Partners: the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association.

Ultra-Premium Partners: St. Lucia Times, Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, Courts Business Solutions, Barbay Ltd, Bank of Saint Lucia, and FLOW

Premium Partners:  Invest Saint Lucia, Digicel, Hospitality Credit Union, 1st National Bank, Massy Stores (St Lucia) Ltd, Piton Beer, Saint Lucia Electricity Services Ltd, The CELL, and Republic Bank

Support Partners: UWI Global Campus, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority and The Hub

The gala event will be live streamed on NTN and the GIMIES social media platforms. Supporters and the public are encouraged to join the viewing parties online.

For more information on the GIMIES, visit www.thegimies.org, Facebook @thegimies, Instagram @the_gimies or email tourismawards@stlucia.org