๐‚๐ž๐ฅ๐ž๐›๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐“๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐š๐ฅ๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ: ๐‡๐ž๐ข๐๐ข ๐’๐ญ. ๐‚๐ฅ๐š๐ข๐ซ๐ž

During its 60th Anniversary Annual General Meeting on February 28th, 2024, the SLHTA recognized tourism pioneer Heidi St. Claire.
Born in 1952, Anne Marie Hydria St. Clair, affectionately called Heidi embarked on her professional journey at the age of 21, initially finding herself in the bustling world of the hotel business at Halcyon Days in View Fort, before transitioning to Cunard La Toc Hotel. However, the late hours and routine nature of her role left her yearning for new horizons within the industry. An opportunity arose for Heidi to be a Tour Guide with Carib Touring, a company owned by Gilland Adjodha.
Eager to excel in her newfound role, Heidi embarked on a journey of self-education, meticulously researching and compiling information to enhance her tours. The popular and iconic Land and Sea tour, which is now offered by almost everyone who offers excursions to their clients, was the brainchild of Heidi and Adjodha. Heidi worked with Carib Touring for over a decade and was instrumental in ensuring that visitors had memorable and enjoyable experiences as she served as an ambassador, providing information about the islandโ€™s history and culture.
Heidi then moved on to working with Mrs. Pauline Bernard of St. Lucia Reps/Sunlink Tours. She provided Tour Guide services to that company for their clients for over 35 years. As she approached the age of 60 she retired from St. Lucia Reps/Sunlink, Her passion for tour guiding remained undiminished, and she continued as a freelance guide with Cox and Company, Foster .Inc and Barefoot Tours.
Her dedication and expertise were recognized in 2001 with the Ste. Lisi Par Excellence Awards when she was honored with the Employee of the Year Tour Guide, National and Historic Site award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to showcasing the beauty of St. Lucia.
As she reflects on her journey, Heidi remains steadfast in her belief that the true reward lies not in financial compensation, but in the joy of imparting a genuine affection for St. Lucia to every visitor as she finds fulfillment in witnessing the wonder and delight reflected in the eyes of those she guides.