Erwin Louisy Appointed as President of the SLHTA

(Castries, Saint Lucia – January 29^th 2025)- The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is proud to announce the appointment of Erwin Louisy as its new President, effective January 28, 2025.

Ms. Louisy’s appointment was unanimously endorsed by the SLHTA Board of Directors, a strong testament to the confidence the Association’s leadership has in her vision and capabilities. Her election also marks a historic milestone—she becomes the first tourism services provider to lead the SLHTA in its more than 60-year history, breaking the tradition of hoteliers holding this esteemed position.

A seasoned professional with over 30 years of industry expertise, Ms. Louisy is the President and CEO of Barefoot Holidays, an award-winning Destination Management Company (DMC) in Saint Lucia. Her impressive track record in destination management, marketing, service delivery, and contract negotiations has positioned her as a key figure in the sector. Within the SLHTA, she has made significant contributions, serving as Director for the DMC sub-sector, 2nd Vice President, and Vice President.

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez welcomed the appointment, stating: “We are thrilled to have President Louisy at the helm of the SLHTA. Her extensive experience, visionary leadership, and passion for sustainable tourism will undoubtedly drive the Association to new heights, fostering continued growth and innovation within the sector. Her appointment also signals the evolution of our industry, recognizing the critical role that tourism service providers play in shaping Saint Lucia’s tourism product.”

Ms. Louisy succeeds Mr. Paul Collymore, who has served with distinction as SLHTA President since April 2021. Under his leadership, the Association navigated the post-pandemic recovery, strengthened advocacy efforts, and advanced key initiatives in marketing, human resource development, and legislative affairs.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Azeez remarked: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Collymore for his unwavering dedication and exemplary service. His hands-on leadership and strategic vision have left a lasting impact on the SLHTA and the wider hospitality industry. He played a pivotal role in advancing our advocacy, training, and financial sustainability efforts, ensuring that the SLHTA remains a strong voice for its members. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

The SLHTA looks forward to a new chapter under President Louisy’s leadership, as she spearheads efforts to further strengthen the industry, support members, and drive sustainable tourism development in Saint Lucia.