The recently commissioned berth expansion project at Pointe Seraphine is expected to help Saint Lucia elevate its position in the regional cruise tourism arena, and strengthen its relationship with key players.

So says Executive Chairperson of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), Agnes Francis.

Miss Francis spoke at the opening of the Dolphin Berth expansion project last Saturday, adding that the cruise sector has continued to show remarkable growth. This, she said, will significantly increase, given that the new berth makes it possible for the island to now welcome multiple quantum class vessels with capacity of approximately 5000 passengers per port call.

“The benefit of the extension is such that projection shows a possible 20 percent increase in cruise calls to port Castries along with a 19 percent increase in passenger arrivals. As a result of the 2017/2018 cruise season Saint Lucia is poised to record its highest ever number of cruise passengers with a projected number of over 800 passengers. This berth marks the first major feat for Saint Lucia in being able to soon offer two world class facilities-one in the north and one in the south, which will attract international business and bring life to the government’s vision of  making Saint Lucia the number one cruise destination in the region.”

As part of efforts to further develop the national tourism product, the Government of Saint Lucia is investing USD$15 million into the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Competitive Tourism Project, to which the World Bank will invest an additional USD$25 million.

“This project will facilitate access and movement of travelers through a pilot ferry service, it will rehabilitate selected tourism sites in Grenada, Saint Vincent and Saint Lucia, and help position these countries as a one multi-island travel destination,” Mrs. Francis said. “One of the biggest components of this project is to improve the façade of the marketplace through the provision of training for our vendors in merchandizing, sales strategy, customer service and marketing. I wish therefore to encourage Saint Lucians to seize the moment, develop your unique craft, hone your skills, establish new tourism services, and above all, respect the value and contribution of revenue to our country, in investments such as this berth expansion and through vessel calls such as Anthem of the Seas.”

The expansion project along with other planned improvements for the city, are expected to significantly improve the visitor experience as well as provide opportunities for employment and enterprising.