SLHTA Engages in National Competitiveness Agenda Stakeholder Meeting

The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) was recently represented at a National Competitiveness & Productivity Council (NCPC) led stakeholder meeting on the island’s National Competitiveness Agenda (NCA) and Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy 2019 – 2030.

Policy Goal

By 2030, Saint Lucia aims to build a vibrant, technology-enabled, knowledge-driven economy that delivers strong growth, reduced unemployment, and an improved quality of life. Successful execution will position the island as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, agro-industry, digital services, and creative industries, exporting premium products under the “Taste of Saint Lucia” brand.

Strategic Pillars

Innovation in Traditional Sectors

Diversify tourism into eco, cultural, wellness, and adventure experiences
Modernize agriculture through smart crops, agro-processing, and stronger tourism linkages
Strengthen manufacturing, craft, and branding under the “Taste of Saint Lucia” identity

Entrepreneurship & The Digital Economy

Establish incubators/accelerators and support ICT start-ups
Expand e-commerce, fintech, and app development
Facilitate venture capital and export of Saint Lucian technologies

Human Capital Development

Align education with business needs through vocational, dual training, and post-graduate programs
Build innovation management and entrepreneurship skills
Expand training for women and youth to close unemployment gaps

Research, Technology & Knowledge

Launch a Knowledge Transfer Network linking global research to local firms
Create a Services Centre for Agriculture and New Crops
Develop early-warning systems for climate threats and a Health & Wellness Centre

Priority Flagship Projects

Stakeholders are streamlining fourteen broad proposals into three flagship areas (consultations ongoing):

Innovation Vouchers Programme – SMEs gain access to expertise and technologies
Knowledge Transfer Network – connect local businesses with international research
High-Value Agri Centre – diversify crops and expand high-value exports

Governance & Execution

Lead Agency: National Competitiveness & Productivity Council (NCPC)
Structure: Strategic Direction Board (policy), Management Team (execution), Expert Group (advisory)
Approach: Smart specialization, strong public/private partnerships (PPP), and international financing support
Note: It is important to note that governance design is seen as the most critical success factor.

Challenges

High unemployment (20%+), especially among youth and women
Weak innovation culture and low R&D investment
Climate vulnerability and reliance on all-inclusive tourism
Slower growth than peers such as Antigua & Barbuda

Opportunities

ICT, renewable energy, and creative industries as new growth drivers
Niche tourism and agro-export expansion
The “Taste of Saint Lucia” brand as an export identity booster
Sustainable FDI in eco-tourism, yacht services, and the digital economy

Takeaway

The Competitiveness Agenda is a blueprint for S.M.A.R.T., inclusive, and sustainable growth. By targeting diversification, digital transformation, and human capital development, Saint Lucia is positioning itself to be a Caribbean leader in competitiveness by 2030.

This Stakeholder Engagement Overview was prepared by:

Kirk Elliott
SLHTA Director at Large
Representing Banks, Professionals, Educational/Training Institutions & Other Allied Members