Saint Lucia Reports Robust Tourism Growth

Leading the upward trend, the US market accounted for 54 percent of total arrivals, demonstrating a 44 percent increase over US arrivals from August 2023. The impressive surge is attributed to a 53 percent increase in available seats from the US market, primarily driven by American Airlines’ expanded services from Charlotte and Miami.

The Caribbean region also saw notable growth, with arrivals increasing by 29 percent year-over-year, paralleling a similar 29 percent availability of available seats.

Key contributions came from airlines such as interCaribbean, Air Adelphi and Sunrise Airways, which expanded direct airlift from Antigua, Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Jamaica. Additionally, Saint Lucia hosted the Goodwill Swimming Championships in August, attracting a significant influx of visitors from across the Caribbean.

Stay-over arrivals for August measured 18 percent higher than in 2023 and 3 percent above the same period in 2019, which served as a key benchmark before the pandemic. These numbers suggest that Saint Lucia is on track to surpass 2019’s stay-over arrival totals by the end of 2024, signaling a robust recovery for the island’s tourism industry.

Tourism stakeholders are optimistic about sustaining this momentum as the island continues to enhance its appeal as a premier travel destination. Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Louis Lewis said in a statement, “As we collaborate across the industry, we are committed to implementing innovative strategies that will further elevate the visitor experience and attract even more travelers to our shores.”

Lewis added, “Saint Lucia is implementing a reimagined strategy, and recent collaborations with the New York Yankees and Olympic Medalist, Julien Alfred serving as a Tourism Ambassador, together, we will build on this positive trajectory and ensure that Saint Lucia remains a top choice for visitors seeking unforgettable experiences.”