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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Thursday, March 04, 2004 - St. Lucia’s tourism industry is poised to
register remarkable growth this year in the key areas of tourist arrivals and
airlift, surpassing expectations for the post 911 recovery period. This was
revealed by the executive of the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA)
at a press conference last week on the latest developments taking place in the
industry.
President of SLHTA Anthony Bowen described 2003 as a record year for tourism,
seeing well over 2,000 visitors coming to the island. He says judging from the
current trend of improving statistics, it can be said that Saint Lucia is back
on demand. Mr. Bowen stated that a review of the available resources and a
determination of how they can be maximized to support the upsurge in the
industry must be conducted by tourism authorities and stakeholders.
“I feel that these statistics are encouraging to all of us and these statistics
that need to be analysed more closely to see sources of business and to see
where we will be able to place resources in the coming financial year for
advertising and promotion and to ensure that we are actually fishing in waters
where there are fish” he remarked.
Mr. Bowen says, American Airlines’ much anticipated resumption of daily jet
service to Saint Lucia from Miami, beginning in November, will have a great
impact on tourist arrivals. “The impact of that will be approximately 36, 920.00
seats per year additional.” Mr. Bowen also disclosed that American Airlines has
expressed confidence that the daily service out of Miami will be mutually
beneficial.
Meanwhile, American Eagle will be continuing their five flights per day using
San Juan, Puerto Rico as a hub coming into Vigie, and Delta Airlines will make
its inaugural flight into St. Lucia on Sunday, April 4. Mr. Bowen says the
United States Market is showing favourable signs that reaffirm Saint Lucia’s
popularity as a tourist destination.
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