St. Lucia Holds Optimistic Forecast for Tourism

St. Lucia Holds Optimistic Forecast for Tourism
posted by the Jamaica Observer

Following a successful 2010 for the tourism sector, marred briefly by last month's damage from Hurricane Tomas, St. Lucia's hotels and resorts are sharing an optimistic outlook for the New Year.

The Sandals chain, which operates three hotels on the island, has announced an increase in forward bookings for the coming months. "2011 is starting out strong and, in fact, we're seeing a 10 per cent increase in forward bookings compared to this time last year, including in St. Lucia, where we expect a terrific winter season," said Sandals Chairman Gordon 'Butch' Stewart.

"People are itching to travel and are looking for experiences that exceed their expectations and our three resorts in St. Lucia have never been better and are ready with their luxury-included offerings to do just that."

Tourism officials said that despite the hurricane's damage, travellers continue to express confidence in St. Lucia as a world-class destination, and the sector intends to build on that.

"Our faith is strong, our hotels, resorts and attractions are strong, and while we dust ourselves off in the aftermath of Hurricane Tomas, St. Lucia is focused on ending 2010 on an extremely positive note," said Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Senator Allen Chastanet.

He added that the country's tourism product is poised to continue the positive growth which it recorded in 2010.

"We are not expecting to see double-digit growth next year but we are expecting to maintain the growth that we have been able to achieve this year, and we think we are already putting the Industry in a position to see another huge increase in growth in 2012," Chastanet said, adding that new properties and rooms added to existing properties are expected to come on stream.

St. Lucia is still basking in the glory of receiving the award for 'World's Best Honeymoon Destination', for the fifth consecutive year, at the World Travel Awards.

The St. Lucia Tourist Board says the growing accolades reflect the island's commitment to providing visitors with an excellent product with the highest standards of service and hospitality.