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Saint Lucia’s legendary dive sites set to attract more visitors to the island


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Thursday, November 12, 2009 – Castries, Saint Lucia November 11, 2009: Saint Lucia’s Dive sector was on show at the just concluded DEMA Show, which is the acronym for Diving Equipment and Marketing Association. This international trade-only event for diving, action water sports and the travel industries throughout the US, was held under the theme “thousands of opportunities - one goal, your success”. The Saint Lucia Tourist Board was represented by Kelly Fontenelle, Regional Sales Manager for the US South East and Eget Martyr, Secretary of the local Dive Association, ANBAGLO (uh-bah-glow).

 

“DEMA is one of the best dive shows to showcase Saint Lucia as a dive destination” expressed Fontenelle. Since the show is only open to the trade, the quality is very high with only serious attendees looking for new destinations or products.” Fontenelle was pleased to point out that “many of the visitors to Saint Lucia’s booth were inquiring about packages, and this show is an excellent opportunity for the hoteliers and the Dive operators to work together to provide dive packages. After conversing with many of the dive store owners,” Fontenelle declared, “the SLTB has decided to conduct at least two dive familiarizations trips per year in conjunction with ANBAGLO to familiarize dive store owners with Saint Lucia and our products, so Saint Lucia can be considered for their next group trip.”

 

ANBAGLO personnel anticipate positive outcomes from the show Commenting on her experience at the show, Martyr observed that “The show was positive from the onset and the mood was strictly business oriented. Saint Lucia’s name is getting much needed publicity as a dive destination,” she added. Martyr confirmed that “Potential customers/travel agents were also very interested in airlift to the island, its wide range of accommodation and activities on offer. There is a strong need for all stakeholders to work together as there is a keen interest in the total package to include accommodation and diving. Altogether, it was a great show in terms of quality and a positive outcome is anticipated,” Martyr concluded.

 

Interestingly, DEMA was smaller this year as it relates to the number of exhibitors and attendees however the quality of the show was exceptional.

During the four-day event, the SLTB worked alongside its industry partner, Bay Garden’s Beach Resort to give two participants an opportunity to experience Saint Lucia. The Cunninghams, who were extremely excited about their win, will get to see first-hand, Saint Lucia’s underwater world when they head over to the island soon.

 

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board and the local dive community through their leading representative body ANBAGLO have been working closely on promotional and marketing initiatives for the island’s dive sector. DEMA was the first of three major dive shows in the US that will be jointly attended.

The dive show was staged from November 4 – 7, in Orlando, Florida.

 

Contact:

Saint Lucia Tourist Board

PO Box 221, Sureline Building, Vide Boutielle, Castries

Saint Lucia West Indies

Tel: 758-452-4094/5968 Fax: 758-453-1121


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