Saint Lucia welcomes LIAT20's inaugural flight, Foodie Fortnight winners announced and more news!

Saint Lucia Welcomes LIAT20’s Inaugural Flight from Antigua

(SLTA)- Wednesday, August 7th marked a significant milestone in Caribbean aviation as LIAT20’s inaugural flight from Antigua (ANU) to Saint Lucia (SLU) touched down at George F.L. Charles Airport. The arrival was celebrated with a ceremonial water cannon salute, symbolizing a new chapter in regional connectivity.

The launch of LIAT20’s new route not only strengthens the bond between our islands but also enhances the ease with which our people can travel across the Caribbean. This new service, with onward connections to Barbados, opens up wonderful opportunities for regional travel, making it easier for individuals to visit Saint Lucia for vacations, honeymoons, and various other events.

Dexter Percil, Head of Marketing at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, remarked, “The Caribbean has long needed more robust connections between our islands. LIAT20’s expansion plans are a promising step in that direction. We are excited about the potential for further growth and are keen to collaborate with LIAT20 as they continue to connect more destinations across our region. With the recent spotlight on Saint Lucia following Julien Alfred's Olympic feat, we are inviting everyone to come and experience our beautiful destination.”

Starting this August, LIAT20 will operate twice daily, three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—servicing the Antigua-Saint Lucia-Barbados route. This new service, utilizing the Embraer 145 aircraft with a capacity of 50 passengers, marks a significant boost in travel opportunities within the region. From September onwards, the frequency and destinations are expected to expand, including additional routes to Sint Maarten, St. Kitts, Grenada, and Dominica.

NOTICE: World Tourism Day

SLTA provides Half Year Update to SLHTA

On Friday, August 9th 2024 the SLHTA Executive and member companies met with representatives of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority to receive an update on the marketing strategy for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2024, and plans for 2025.

Some of the pressing issues discussed were:

-Stay-over arrivals

-Visitor Expenditure

-Airlift / Seats

-Room stock analysis

-Marketing strategy

SLHTA President Paul Collymore thanked the SLTA team led by Head of Marketing Dexter Percil for an insightful meeting. The two agencies are committed to continue collaborating to grow our Destination.

Soley Kouche Restaurant wins Foodie Fortnight fan favorite voting

On Monday, August 12th 2024 the SLHTA and SLTA held a brief awards ceremony to recognize the winners of the Carnival Foodie Fortnight fan favorite voting.

Foodie Fortnight aims to encourage both locals and visitors to explore the diverse culinary offerings available on the island while providing them with an opportunity to discover new dining experiences.

Soley Kouche Restaurant came in first, with 2nd and 3rd place going to Big Chef Steakhouse and Amici Restaurant, respectively.

In attendance were SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez, SLHTA Director Wadi Zakhour, SLTA Head of Marketing Dexter Percil, Marketing Manager Chris Gustave and representatives of the winning restaurants.

The SLHTA wishes to congratulate the winners, and thanks all member companies who participated in this edition of the culinary initiative.

The SLHTA and SLTA are working closely to enhance the Foodie Fortnight programme, and introduce other culinary initiatives.

CHTA Hurricane Beryl Relief Auction

(CHTAEF)- The CHTA Education Foundation has launched a Hurricane Relief Auction to aid Caribbean hospitality workers impacted by Hurricane Beryl. This is a great way to support relief efforts and help communities in need.

Hurricane Beryl impacted destinations like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and South Coast of Jamaica. Your support is crucial to help rebuild these beautiful islands and support the affected communities.

Click here to participate: https://one.bidpal.net/2024hurricanes/browse/all

Lobster Fishery Open

The Department of Fisheries wishes to remind all hotel and tourism stakeholders that the Lobster Fishery is open from Friday August 2, 2024 to Friday February 28, 2025 both days inclusive.

The Department wishes to remind stakeholders of the following:

A minimum size limit of 9.5cm for lobsters
Berried lobsters (lobsters carrying eggs) are not allowed
Speared lobsters are not allowed
Moulting lobsters are not allowed

These conservation measures are in accordance with Part VII, Section 32 of the Fisheries Regulations of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia. As a potential or current purchaser of lobster, your establishment can play a critical role in supporting the sustainable use of the lobster resource.

Allied Member Webinar Series- The Modern Art of Storytelling

The Caribbean Tourism Organization's first Allied Member Webinar is just around the corner! Join us on August 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET/AT to learn about The Modern Art of Storytelling with Figment Design, Inc. President Jeff Pankey. Register today at: https://bit.ly/Allied-Webinar-Aug-2024.

Explore more about CTO Allied Membership: https://www.onecaribbean.org/about-allied-membership/

Two Saint Lucia Tourism Professionals among CHTA Hospitality Scholars!

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) proudly announces the latest cohort of recipients for its prestigious hospitality scholarship for the 2024/25 academic year. This scholarship program supports outstanding students from across the Caribbean, fostering their academic pursuits in critical areas of the hospitality industry such as culinary arts, business management, and hotel operations.

Saint Lucia nominated for Travvy Awards!

Saint Lucia is proudly nominated for the 2024 Travvy Awards in three exciting categories:

*Best Destination - Caribbean

*Best Honeymoon Destination - Caribbean

*Best Wedding Destination - Caribbean

Show your support and make your vote count! Cast your vote now at www.travvyawards.com/vote

Voting is open until September 6, 2024.

Team Member Spotlight - Ria Magloire

(Bay Gardens Resorts)- Meet Ms. Ria Magloire. This young lady has been a part of the Bay Gardens family for a little over 2 years, working with the Reservations Department as a Reservations Agent. Ria describes her time at Bay Gardens Resorts as quite an interesting experience thus far.

She explains that she looks forward to showing up to work and learning something new every day. Another element that piques her interest is the diversity and unique identities of each of our properties.

When asked what her most memorable moment at Bay Gardens Resorts is, she exclaimed that she has many, but the ones that stand out to her the most are the times she receives positive compliments on her professionalism and customer service from guests and management.

In her free time, Ms. Magloire enjoys dancing and exploring the outdoors by way of tours and sightseeing.

When asked what her inspiration was, she noted that she loves to inspire others. She added “I would love that my hard work and drive would inspire others to do just the same”

While she maintains her positive and hard-working disposition about her current role, Ria is excited about her future with Bay Gardens Resorts and mentions that she is ready and willing to accept greater challenges.

Bay Gardens Resorts thanks Ria for her service and commitment, and we look forward to more great things from her!

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