KONNECTMEDIA NEWS |
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia — July 31, 2026 — Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Ernest Hilaire, has highlighted what he describes as unprecedented growth in Saint Lucia’s tourism sector, pointing to increased visitor arrivals, rising demand for the destination, expanded local participation and continued investment in tourism infrastructure.
Speaking at a recent political and community gathering, Dr. Hilaire said Saint Lucia’s tourism performance has reached new levels, emphasizing that the government’s approach has been centered on ensuring that citizens benefit directly from the industry.
“Under this government, tourism has never done better. Look at the numbers. Look at the arrivals. We have never seen more people coming into Saint Lucia like we see now,” Dr. Hilaire stated.
He referenced growing international demand for Saint Lucia, including recognition from travel platforms, and said the country’s tourism success is driven by a philosophy of placing citizens at the center of the visitor experience.
Putting Saint Lucians at the Centre of Tourism
According to Dr. Hilaire, the government’s tourism strategy focuses on expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs, community operators and small accommodation providers.
He pointed to the establishment of the Community Tourism Agency as part of efforts to provide support for Saint Lucians seeking to develop tourism-related businesses and experiences.
The Minister also highlighted the economic contribution of local accommodation providers, stating that Saint Lucians operating Airbnb and home accommodation properties earned more than $80 million collectively in the previous year.
“We believe that if we put our people first, our people will give the best to visitors when they come to this country,” he said.
Tourism Expansion and Infrastructure Development
Dr. Hilaire announced that Saint Lucia is expected to see significant growth in accommodation capacity, with approximately 2,000 additional rooms projected over the next three to four years.
He also highlighted ongoing and planned investments in public tourism facilities, including beach parks, visitor amenities and scenic viewpoints across the island.
Among the projects referenced were:
- Improved facilities at The Ramp, including restroom amenities and visitor conveniences.
- The development of a beach park in the north of the island.
- New lookout points planned for communities including Canaries and Soufrière.
- Expanded visitor stops designed to allow residents and visitors to enjoy scenic locations while supporting local vendors and businesses.
Dr. Hilaire said these projects are designed to create more opportunities for communities by encouraging visitors to explore more of Saint Lucia beyond traditional tourism locations.
Support for Small Businesses and Emerging Industries
Moving beyond tourism, the Minister also highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening Saint Lucia’s small business sector.
He praised the work being done through the MSME Grant Facility and announced plans for the creation of a dedicated organization to provide greater access to loans and business support for entrepreneurs.
Dr. Hilaire also addressed the future development of the cannabis industry in Saint Lucia, stating that legislation is expected to be brought before Parliament after careful consideration.
He emphasized that the government intends to approach the sector responsibly due to its complexity and economic potential.
Festivals, Culture and Visitor Attraction
The Minister also spoke about the role of festivals and cultural celebrations in driving tourism and promoting Saint Lucia internationally.
He pointed to the continued growth of events such as Carnival and the return and expansion of the Jazz Festival, while highlighting upcoming Emancipation Day celebrations and cultural activities.
Dr. Hilaire said culture remains an important part of Saint Lucia’s identity and tourism offering.
“Who we are as a people is important,” he said, noting that investments in cultural celebrations such as Emancipation, La Marguerite and Creole Heritage Month reflect the importance of preserving Saint Lucian traditions.
Government’s Message Amid Global Challenges
Addressing international economic pressures, including rising fuel and food prices, Dr. Hilaire said Saint Lucia, like countries worldwide, is navigating challenging circumstances.
He encouraged citizens to remain confident while acknowledging the impact of global events beyond the country’s control.
KonnectMedia continues to monitor developments across Saint Lucia and the Caribbean, bringing audiences trusted stories on tourism, business, culture, governance and community development.
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