2026 New Year’s Message by SLHTA President Erwin Louisy

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), I extend sincere New Year’s greetings to all members, citizens and stakeholders, and offer my best wishes for continued health and success in 2026.

As I reflect on 2025, I am immensely proud of what the Association has accomplished during the past year. It was a period marked by collaboration, steady progress and a shared commitment to strengthening the tourism sector while contributing meaningfully to national development.

Among the year’s notable milestones was the SLHTA’s partnership with DeVry University, which expanded access to educational and professional development opportunities for tourism professionals in Saint Lucia. This initiative demonstrates our dedication to developing talent and equipping individuals with the skills needed to remain competitive.

The Association deepened its work with regional and international partners to advance climate-resilient and low-carbon tourism initiatives. Through these collaborations, we promoted more sustainable practices within the hospitality sector, including the reduction of organic waste, while reinforcing Saint Lucia’s position as a responsible and forward-thinking destination. It was another proud year for Saint Lucia’s culinary sector, highlighted by the national culinary team’s silver medal performance at Taste of the Caribbean.

I am extremely proud of the impact of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) during the year, which invested over EC$900,000 in people and communities through initiatives such as after-school and summer programmes, secondary and tertiary-level scholarships, public space enhancements and human resource development. Looking ahead, the TEF has aligned its thematic areas to respond to emerging needs and will prioritize: Youth Empowerment, Environmental Conservation, Socio-Economic Development, Community Infrastructure, Tourism Heritage Preservation and Crisis Response.

Contributing to broader national matters, the SLHTA continued to assist the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in strengthening public safety through strategic planning support, as well as targeted assistance to the Rodney Bay Police Station and Rangers Unit. The Association also provided input on key initiatives such as the draft Electricity Bill and water management policies.

As we look ahead, the new year will undoubtedly present fresh opportunities for growth and innovation, alongside challenges that will require cooperation and resolve. The SLHTA will continue to work closely with public and private sector counterparts to advance not only the tourism industry, but also the wider social and economic development of Saint Lucia.

Together we can build an industry that is resilient and beneficial to all.

Once again, I extend best wishes for a prosperous 2026.

Erwin Louisy
President
SLHTA