Saint Lucia captures Caribbean Destination Resilience Award and more news!

Caribbean Travel Marketplace underway!

SLHTA President Paul Collymore and Business Development Officer Juliet Sutherland are currently in Jamaica for #CHTAMarketplace42.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation travel over the course of two days of business meetings.

Stay tuned to our various channels for further updates on the SLHTA's participation.

Saint Lucia captures Caribbean Destination Resilience Award!

On Monday, May 20th 2024 Saint Lucia was awarded the Caribbean Destination Resilience Award by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA).

This award, presented in collaboration with the Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, is aimed at recognizing destinations with a deliberate focus on resiliency, as indicated by their commitments to address some or all of the UNWTO’s 17 sustainable development goals.

It recognizes those efforts which seek to mitigate the effects of climate change and the broader challenges impacting our sustainable development. It seeks to identify best collaborative practices, particularly those which engage both the destination’s National Hotel and Tourism Association and the Tourism Board/ Ministry.

CHTA Unveils Revolutionary AI Guidebook to Elevate Caribbean Tourism

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) announces the launch of its groundbreaking guidebook, “Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism”.

This initiative, spearheaded by the CHTA Technology Task Force, marks a significant milestone as it is the first guidebook of its kind released by any regional Hotel and Tourism Association.

Authored by Christus Gill with AI support, the guidebook represents a major advancement in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the region’s tourism sector, setting a new standard for innovation and technological integration.

Building upon the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) foundational guide, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology: Guide for Travel & Tourism Leaders”, CHTA has crafted a comprehensive resource for industry stakeholders. The AI Guidebook provides essential insights and best practices tailored to the unique landscape of Caribbean tourism. It aims to illuminate the myriad benefits of AI adoption and addresses the challenges and concerns that might arise.

Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, Chair of the CHTA Technology Task Force, and the main driver behind this initiative, shared his enthusiasm about this innovative tool: “The AI Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism opens up a new realm of possibilities for our industry. By integrating AI technologies, we can significantly enhance guest experiences, improve operational efficiencies, and push the boundaries of what Caribbean tourism can achieve.”

The creation of the guidebook was a collaborative effort involving influential industry professionals from across the Caribbean who serve on the CHTA Technology Task Force, including:

Chairperson Sanovnik Destang, St. Lucia
Co-Chairperson Christus Gill, St. Lucia
Yatsuri Marshall, St. Lucia
Brian Broomes, Barbados
Jamal Griffith, Barbados
Jeremy Jones, Jamaica
Lisa Hamilton, U.S. Virgin Islands
Kjerstin Carlson, CHTA Liaison

The guide explores Generative AI and other AI technologies, providing tailored insights and strategies for the Caribbean hospitality and tourism sectors. It addresses challenges and ethical considerations, showcasing AI’s potential to transform travel by combining innovation with creativity. The CHTA Technology Task Force also plans to release a follow-up guidebook featuring case studies of AI implementation in Caribbean hotels and tourism companies.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AI GUIDE

Iara Ernest named Saint Lucia's Junior Minister of Tourism 2024/25

The SLHTA congratulates Iara Ernest of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School on winning the 2024 National Tourism Public Speaking Competition. In 2nd place was Jadea Estava of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. 3rd place went to Zalika Jordan of St. Joseph's Convent.

The Ministry of Tourism competition serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding of Saint Lucia's multifaceted tourism sector, and present innovative ideas for enhancing the island's tourism product.

Additionally, it fosters a culture of research, critical thinking and public speaking skills among the youth.

In September, Ernest will represent Saint Lucia at the Caribbean Tourism Organization Youth Congress in the Cayman Islands.

The SLHTA and members Harbor Club, Saint Lucia Distillers, Windjammer Landing, Coco Resorts, The Landings Resort & Spa, Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, Bel Jou Hotel, Stolentime Saint Lucia, Foster and Ince Cruise Services, Invest Saint Lucia and SLASPA were extremely proud to sponsor this youth-empowering initiative.

MOT launches Story Map and Smart Tourism Project

(SLTA)- The Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture & Information and the TaiwanICDF launched the Story Map and Smart Tourism Project in Castries on May 14, 2024.

This technological advancement initiative allows visitors to seamlessly navigate their way around the city by scanning QR codes that will provide information on their route. This allows for visitors to indulge in the history and culture of the destination and contributes to the preservation of Saint Lucia’s, cultural heritage, religious and educational heritage for future generations to learn from.

This tourism initiative is also expected to attract more visitors leading to increase tourism revenue, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the local economy. In the advanced stages of the project, the QR codes will present video and audio guides of the city’s map.

Saint Lucia is the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourism, Nature, and Honeymoon Destination and such initiatives enhance the visitor’s overall experience.

Invest Saint Lucia hosts sod turning ceremony at Mt Pimard

(Invest Saint Lucia)- A sod turning ceremony held on Thursday May 16th, 2024 signaled the commencement of a multi-million-dollar project set to transform Rodney Bay and add significant value to Saint Lucia’s tourism product. A’ila Resorts and the TheLifeCo Holistic Wellness Hotel will be situated on the picturesque Mount Pimard, introducing a groundbreaking approach to Saint Lucia resort development.

Patricia Affonso-Dass Named Caribbean Hotelier of the Year

Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels Group in Barbados, is the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Hotelier of the Year.

CHTA Unveils Dynamic Rebranding and Intuitive Website, Redefining Excellence in Caribbean Hospitality

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) has introduced a vibrant rebranding initiative, signifying a new era of excellence in Caribbean hospitality.

CHTA Launches Multi-Destination Media Trip to Showcase Caribbean Interconnectivity and Diversity - SLHTA

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is gearing up for its first multi-destination media trip, designed to illuminate the interconnectedness and diversity across the Caribbean. Scheduled from May 17 to 27, this initiative will showcase the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences spanning St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Stakeholders Commend Sandals Support for Youth Cricket

Under-19 cricket in Saint Lucia has continued to grow from strength to strength, and credit is being given to the ongoing corporate sponsorship that Sandals Resorts has invested in the island’s national Under-19 programme.

Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel- One of the Best of the Best Hotels in the Caribbean!

Without our fabulous guests and their wonderful TripAdvisor reviews we would not have been named three years in a row as one of the BEST OF THE BEST HOTELS (B&B/INNS) IN THE CARIBBEAN.

Three is our lucky number!! Join us this summer to experience Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel again or for the first time with our special summer deal of up to 30% off stays of three nights or more from June through October, 2024.

Discounted rates shown at booking.

BOOK NOW

FarmHers Market on this Saturday

It’s always a good time to support your local FarmHer!

Helen’s Daughters is bringing you another FarmHers Market on Saturday, May 25th!

Join us at our usual location, The Pyramid at Pointe Seraphine from 7 am to 2 pm for a fantastic experience.

Reminder: PINL closed until May 22nd

The Council of the Trust has taken the decision to EXTEND the closure of the Pigeon Island National Landmark to the public through Wednesday 22nd May 2024. This is necessary to facilitate the continued LOAD-OUT, clean-up and repairs after the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2024.

The Trust team regrets any inconvenience caused to our members during this time, however, the Council and Management determined this decision necessary to minimize risk to patrons and enable service providers to safely complete load-out.

We do look forward to welcoming you back to the Landmark once the area is sufficiently clear and safe for regular enjoyment again. We expect this to be on Thursday 23rd May 2024. Please keep an eye out for any changes that may be necessary.

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