SLHTA’s Chef’s Table Luncheon spotlights Industry Growth and Social Impact

(Castries, Saint Lucia – November 17^th 2025)- The growth of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry and the development of the people and communities that drive its success were in focus at the final Chef’s Table Luncheon of 2025, hosted by the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) and the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF).

Held on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the packed event brought together key public and private sector stakeholders from across the tourism industry and other sectors, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, dialogue and strategic updates.

Dr. Winston Anderson

Tourism Minister Honourable Dr. Ernest Hilaire delivered a State of the Industry Update that reflected on the sector’s recent achievements, emerging opportunities, and the strategic direction needed to ensure continued growth and competitiveness for Saint Lucia’s tourism industry. The event also featured a presentation from Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) Chief Executive Officer Louis Lewis, who provided detailed updates on marketing initiatives and airlift developments, highlighting efforts to attract new visitors and strengthen the destination’s global profile.

SLTA CEO Louis Lewis

SLHTA President Erwin Louisy said, “Over the past few years, the relationship between the SLHTA, the Ministry of Tourism, and the SLTA has deepened considerably. This partnership, defined by mutual respect and a shared vision, has enabled us to strengthen our competitiveness, coordinate marketing, manage resources responsibly, and develop our human capital — all critical to ensuring that Saint Lucia remains a leading destination in the region.”

A key highlight of Friday’s luncheon was the impact of the TEF and its role in translating the success of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry into tangible benefits for the people and communities that support it. The SLHTA is firmly of the view that tourism’s true value lies in its impact on people. Since its inception in 2013, the TEF has enabled participating member companies to fund hundreds of scholarships, contribute to food security programmes, and support vulnerable families across the island. To date over EC$5 million has been disbursed, with over 270 programmes funded or implemented.

SLHTA President Erwin Louisy (left) and Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire.

Continuing this momentum, several new major initiatives were announced, including:

Kids in Sight Project – A collaboration between the Lions Club of Gros Islet, the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, and volunteer ophthalmologists from West Virginia, United States providing free eye exams and prescription glasses to underprivileged children and adults.
Housing Assistance Programme – In partnership with Rise Saint Lucia Inc., this programme supports the elderly, sick, shut-in, and families living in poverty by rehabilitating damaged homes to restore safety and dignity.
Expansion of the Afterschool Programme – Now at Bocage Secondary School, the TEF supports Robotics, Visual Arts, Special Education, and Small Business Development, helping youth gain confidence, creativity, and a sense of possibility.
I Can, One Can Food Drive – Hospitality workers donate one can of food each month, supporting the SLHTA feeding programme and providing for the elderly, shut-in, vulnerable families, and those most in need.

TEF Chairman and Chair of the SLHTA’s Chef’s Table Committee, Dr. Winston Anderson, said: “Today’s gathering is an important reminder that tourism is more than an industry — it is a community. It connects our people, sustains our livelihoods, and inspires us to do better, not only for our guests but for the generations of Saint Lucians who will inherit the legacy we build today.”

He noted that the TEF stands as one of the proudest achievements of the Association and has become a catalyst for social transformation and national development.

“Through the TEF, we have been able to finance projects that touch every corner of the island — from home refurbishment for vulnerable families, to scholarships that open doors for young people, to the restoration of community spaces and the support of environmental and climate-resilience initiatives. Every investment we make, every community we touch, and every young person we empower is a testament to what is possible when the private sector leads with purpose,” he said.

The SLHTA and Tourism Enhancement Fund wish to thank all who attended Friday’s luncheon and look forward to continuing to engage with member companies and stakeholders in supporting the growth and success of Saint Lucia’s tourism sector.