The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is hitting the road to boost travel agent engagement across the UK. Its latest drive to support travel agent partners is the 'Summer Saint Lucia Style' roadshow evenings. It has lined up three events in late June at Cheltenham, Solihull and Borehamwood. It is an opportunity for agents and reservation staff to get a full destination update. Attendees will get an insiders' guide to the latest island’s developments. The SLTA UK team will be on hand to answer questions and provide specific information. The aim is to host interactive evenings whilst sampling Caribbean food and drink. There is also a chance to win places on upcoming Fam throughout the summer. Key hotel partners from Saint Lucia will be attending to share information on the following dates: 27 June – Cheltenham: Hotel partners: Coconut Bay & Serenity, East Winds, Sandals, BodyHoliday & StolenTime, Sugar Beach 28 June - Solihull: Hotel Partners: Sugar Beach, East Winds, StolenTime & BodyHoliday 29 June – Borehamwood: Hotel partners: Coconut Bay & Serenity, East Winds, Cap Maison, Jade Mountain, BodyHoliday & StolenTime, Sugar Beach Travel agents can book a place at sales@stluciauk.org

  A new tourism marketing campaign created by the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, launches this week. ‘Summer, Saint Lucia Style’ is now an annual promotion that offers holidaymakers savings off summer holiday packages to Saint Lucia.   Running until 31 July, ‘Summer, Saint Lucia Style’ features a range of 16 packages from leading Tour Operators such as Elegant Resorts, Kuoni and Inspiring Travel. The key message is that Saint Lucia should be considered as a summer holiday destination as it offers good value and allows travellers to customise their holidays to their interests. From adventure with hiking, ziplining, mountain climbing and watersports to wellness retreats featuring yoga, spa treatments and sports training, there is so much to choose from. Summer events are back with a bang too with the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival and Carnival.   There are dedicated trade packages from five leading trade operators including Caribtours, IfOnly, Lusso, Classic Collection and Gold Medal. These can be found at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority training platform Saint Lucia Expert, www.saintluciaexpert.com/offers . Here, agents and representatives will also be able to click through to learn more about the destination. Those who register are then eligible to win quarterly prizes and be invited on fam trips.  Interline offers can also be found there too from Touchdown and Staff Voyage Travel.   Patricia Charlery-Leon, SLTA Director for UK & Europe said: “A summer holiday in Saint Lucia is versatile thanks to our range of accommodation but also the easy accessibility of daily flights and such a broad variety of experiences when you’re there. We get a lot of families travelling with tots and teens and an increasing number of solo travellers who are looking for a wellness holiday. Our events calendar attracts groups of friends with the Saint Lucia Carnival in July proving the most popular. We are delighted with the significant savings that our tour operator partners have been able to offer which means that there is great value to be had.”   The first five people to log bookings on the Saint Lucia Expert training portal from 1st May for travel booked after this date (for travel in 2023) will win a bottle of rum.   The campaign runs throughout trade and consumer media with advertising, e-shots and competitions.  The consumer offers are featured on the main website https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/summeroffers/

  From 1 March, Saint Lucia will switch to an Electronic Entry Form for arrivals by air. The new process is expected to substantially improve processing times for arriving passengers.   All travellers arriving by air are strongly encouraged to complete the form online prior to arrival to avoid delays on arrival. The online form can be completed wherever the internet is available prior to landing in Saint Lucia, including on board flights that offer internet services. Once they have landed, travellers will be required to show their receipt to the immigration and customs officers.   https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/entry/  and directly at https://travelslu.govt.lc/   The process is as follows:  

1.     Visit https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/entry/
2.     Complete and submit the form
3.     Receive a QR code by email
4.        Present the QR code (on a device such as a phone, laptop, tablet etc. or a printed copy) and travel document (passport) to officials on arrival.

  In the first instance, passengers landing in Saint Lucia who have not completed the form will be required to complete and submit the paper form, however this arrangement will be phased out within six weeks of the electronic form going into operation.   March 1 to April 11, 2023   Passengers who have not submitted the form by the time that they land in Saint Lucia will be required to complete and submit the paper version of the form.   April 12, 2023 onwards   The paper form will no longer be available to passengers arriving by air, all passengers will be required to complete and submit an electronic entry form before presenting themselves to immigration and customs officials.

From 1 March, Saint Lucia is shifting to an Electronic Entry Form for all inbound Saint Lucia flights. The new process is expected to substantially improve processing times for arriving passengers. All travellers arriving on Saint Lucia flights are encouraged to complete the form online prior to arrival to avoid delays. Once landed, travellers will be required to show their receipt to immigration and customs officers. Travellers should visit https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/entry/ to complete and submit the form. They will then receive a QR code by email. Passengers arriving who have not completed the form will be required to complete a paper form. This option will be phased out within six weeks of the electronic form going into operation.

  This year, why not inspire your clients to take everything they think about summer, give it a shake and a twist of lime, dive in and enjoy.   Summer in Saint Lucia offers a host of truly memorable activities, set against a backdrop of lush green rainforests, serene golden beaches and breath-taking natural beauty.   A summer they'll never forget   From immersive experiences like chocolate making classes, rum tasting and food demonstrations, to Segway tours, catamaran cruises, and ziplining, summer Saint Lucia style takes adventure to whole new heights. And if that wasn’t enough, the island’s rich culinary traditions will feed their soul too, with a diverse mix of taste sensations. They’ll also experience the best in accommodation. From luxurious hotel resorts to a myriad of boutique island jewels within our ‘Collection de Pépites’.   So whether it’s an action-packed family getaway, dreamy romantic escape or the ultimate friends’ reunion, why not fill your clients’ summer with warmth and adventure that lasts long after the sun goes down?  

Saint Lucia has officially scrapped the requirement for the health screening form for travel. All Covid–related pre-travel requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers ended in September 2022. During 2022 Saint Lucia saw strong visitor arrivals and the return of major events. Airlift from international markets has flourished, boosting Saint Lucia tourism. There is air access from the UK with daily direct BA flights and weekly TUI flights from Gatwick. Virgin Atlantic operates a winter service three times a week from London Heathrow. The popular Jazz and Arts Festival returns on May 5-14, celebrating its 30^th year. Carnival is confirmed for July 1-19.

WEDDING VENUES

Imagine a wedding celebrated in the privacy of the ocean in the comfort of a boutique resort in the heart of the Caribbean. Or would you rather take your oath below a waterfall? Saint Lucia shares with you its wide range of stunning wedding venues to suit all your Caribbean ceremony aspirations. Saint Lucia abounds with oceanfront resorts, gorgeous botanical gardens, mysterious caves and other landscapes that are likely to end up on Instagram photo galleries. What's more, you can count on the clemency of the tropical climate to promote a magical atmosphere in osmosis with all your desires related to your important day. Review all the options and say yes to Saint Lucia for your wedding!

For a fourteenth time, and the fifth consecutive year since 2018, Saint Lucia boasts Her prominence as the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ having once again been bestowed the coveted title at the 29th Annual World Travel Awards (WTA) on November 11, 2022. Saint Lucia’s unmatched romance offerings have placed Her above other contenders from honeymoon hotspots around the world, including Cartagena de Indias; Jamaica; Jordan; the Maldives; Maui, Hawaii, Mauritius; Oman; Paris, France, and Seychelles. The World Travel Awards is the most prestigious and sought-after awards program in the global travel and tourism industry since 1993. It was established to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, marking 2022 as the 29th anniversary of the World Travel Awards program. Receiving the Award was Thaddeus M. Antoine, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. “It is an honour for Saint Lucia to receive this prestigious award once again. We are constantly reimagining our strategy and globally positioning our Honeymoon and Romance offerings. Just weeks ago, we successfully hosted the Global Romance Summit which welcomed elite Travel Experts to immerse in the destination. Saint Lucia is filled with warm and friendly people, and we dedicate this award to their success, our authentic culture, and diverse community experiences”, he remarked. Destination Partner, Ladera Resort retained the title of the World’s Leading Wedding Venue, having consecutively won the title since 2018. Saint Lucia was earlier this year recognized by WTA as the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon, and Adventure Tourism Destination. Travvy Awards also recognized Saint Lucia as the Best Honeymoon Destination in the Caribbean. She also won Silver for Best Overall Destination in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in Recommend’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group unveiled plans to introduce its brand of luxury lifestyle hospitality to Saint Lucia. Cas en Bas Beach Resort by Dream Hotel Group has a scheduled 2023 opening. It is latest signing with Edward Wellington, CEO of UK-based resort development company Wellington Estates, and marks the group’s first location in Saint Lucia It is second By Dream Hotel Group branded property in the Caribbean, following The Bight by Dream Hotel Group in Turks and Caicos. Previously announced By Dream Hotel Group projects also include Emma & Elissa in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and the company plans to announce future By Dream Hotel Group locations in new destinations. “Edward Wellington is the perfect partner in the beautiful island of Saint Lucia,” said Dream Hotel Group CEO Jay Stein. “It’s an honor to collaborate with likeminded innovators who share our passion for authentic hospitality experiences.” Cas en Bas Beach Resort by Dream Hotel Group comprises two contemporary low-rise buildings and features multiple food and beverage venues. It includes a champagne terrace and rooftop bar, and a beach bar and grill on Cas en Bas Beach. The resort also offers a sports bar, business center and guest services lounge, as well as a dedicated wellness center. The announcement signals another milestone for Dream Hotel Group and its portfolio of lifestyle brands. It includes Dream Hotels, Unscripted Hotels, The Chatwal and new By Dream hotel Group brands. Fifteen hotels are currently open with another 25 locations in various stages of development across the globe.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is launching a bespoke marketing program to specifically support the 400-plus smaller lodging properties in Saint Lucia. Called the Collection de Pépites, it showcases a broad range of unique places, including local B&Bs, boutiques, inns and luxury villas. The name originates in the island’s French heritage and means a collection of small pieces or nuggets of gold. The aim is to guide travellers through the options of staying in a property of 35 rooms or fewer, that may not be as well-known as the island’s hotels and resorts. Collection de Pépites has a dedicated listings page on the Saint Lucia website where travellers can go to for detailed information on the types of accommodation and search by their specific criteria such as location, family-friendly or price. Visitors can choose their accommodation and click through to book directly on the providers’ site. For commissionable properties, agents can book with the properties directly. SLTA will also assist properties to set up new links with agents in each market. Lorine Charles-St. Jules, CEO of SLTA said “We are really excited to bring together this collection of wonderful property gems for people to discover. We know from visitor feedback that there is a real demand for these distinct properties,” All participating properties have been accredited by the SLTA. Ongoing reviews and checks will take place to ensure quality control and safety management. President of the Vacation Rental Association, Thomas Leonce said, “We look forward to sharing the many compelling attributes of Collection de Pépites with vacationers both regionally and internationally." Initial property listings include: Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel, Jungle Escape Eco Lodge and Rabot Estate by Hotel Chocolat.

  The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has released its latest stay-over results, revealing March 2022 as the highest arrivals month since the restart of the industry from the Covid-19 Pandemic.   Stay-over visitors for March 2022 were recorded at 32,110, (up 21% on the forecasted figure), with a total of 80,811 arrivals year to date (from January to March), marking a strong start to the year.   This echoes the latest report from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)* which confirmed the Caribbean region as leading the world in the recovery of stopover arrivals. The region’s recovery rate sits at 61.5% comparing 2022 to 2019. This is almost double the total global rate of 32.9%.   Saint Lucia is highlighted as one of the best performing destinations for 2022 so far, and is the only country in the Eastern Caribbean in the top five.   The US accounts for 56.2% of total stay-over arrivals year to date in Saint Lucia  – approximately 45,400 visitors.  The UK is the island’s second largest market with 30.3% of total stay-over arrivals at almost 24,500, the highest share recorded for this market, even pre-Pandemic.   The Canadian market continues to show steady growth when compared to the same period for 2020 and 2021. The first quarter of 2022 reflects 6% of total visitor arrivals to the destination following the Covid-19 pandemic. Visitors from the Caribbean and the rest of the world account for 7% of overall arrivals.   With tourism arrivals increasing, SLTA CEO Lorine Charles-St. Jules said: “To keep the momentum going, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is running a targeted marketing campaign for the summer months. The revitalization of Lucian Carnival is one of our priority events this year and we will continue to promote our strong niche offerings such as romance, diving, accommodations and adventure with some exciting plans for the rest of the year.”   The Tourism Authority continues to engage in productive relationships with trade partners alongside careful management of Covid protocols. Consistent collaboration between the private and public tourism sectors will continue to bear fruit for the industry.   Tourism Minister Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire said, “The numbers are really encouraging and a testament to the people who work tirelessly in the tourism industry in Saint Lucia. Our aim is to ensure that the growth trajectory is sustainable and benefits our people through employment and income generation as well as providing the best experience for our visitors.”   Saint Lucia has recently eased its entry requirements. Fully vaccinated visitors and returning nationals no longer need any pre-entry COVID-19 testing whilst the online registration process has been removed for all.

  If Saint Lucia’s boundless natural beauty, palm-fringed beaches and abundant rainforest wasn’t enough to attract even your most well-travelled clients, her rich culinary traditions are sure to feed their souls, too.   From exquisite local rums and fresh juices to traditional pepper pot and bouyan dishes, they’ll savour a palette of flavours that reflect an eclectic mix of African, Indian, Caribbean and European cuisine. Spicy, warming, and comforting. Let Saint Lucia take them on a sensational taste adventure.   A taste of island life they’ll never forget   Let her enchant and entice with mesmerising views across the horizon at one of her cliff-side restaurants. Let her welcome and delight with a plethora of locally grown fruit and vegetables, and fresh fish caught the same day. Let her treat and surprise with the island’s signature meal of green figs and salt fish. Let her whisk them away on a food tour, where they’ll dine with locals, get to know their way of life, and even try their hand at cooking like a Saint Lucian. Let her raise a toast with a tipple of the island’s locally produced rum, Chairman’s Reserve. And let her leave them wanting more.