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Contact:
John Emmanuel
Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - Tourism officials continue to express
satisfaction over gains recorded in the industry in 2005. Saint Lucia has
recorded a 19.8 percent increase in tourist arrivals for the first quarter of
this year as compared to the same period in 2004. Tourism representatives say
over 122 thousand visitors have already touched down on Saint Lucia’s shores for
the year, hinting to signs of continued increases for the rest of the year.
Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment and Consumer Affairs Honourable
Phillip J. Pierre says the major destination markets of the United States and
the United Kingdom continue to register gains with a 17.7% and 12.3% increase
respectively.
Minister Pierre notes, “In January there was a 20.7% increase, in February a
5.7%, in March a 21.4% and in April a 29.1% increase.” According to him, “It
looks like we are going to sustain that increase and hopefully by the end of
this year we should have double digit increases barring any unforeseen
circumstances.”
Commenting on these statistics, Tourism Director Hilary Modeste says “We do not
have in St. Lucia anymore what we call the seasonal factor. The seasonal factor
has completely disappeared, meaning that the differentials between the high and
low season is no more. I can say with certainty that I know of no hotel in St.
Lucia right now that lays-off people in the summer months,” says Modeste.
To maintain that momentum Mr. Modeste says the Tourist Board will further
strengthen its efforts at marketing Saint. Lucia internationally. The board has
entered into partnership with a reputable Toronto-based advertising agency,
which is assisting in developing a new and more targeted marketing campaign.
Along with plans for the construction of additional hotel rooms Mr. Modeste says
negotiations for additional airlift into the island appears promising.
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