SLHTA Holds Productive Talks with Venezuelan Embassy

The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) recently held fruitful discussions with Her Excellency Leiff Escalona, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Saint Lucia, aimed at bolstering collaboration between the two nations, especially in hospitality training, cultural exchanges, and addressing regional airlift challenges.

The meeting, held at the Ambassador’s office, emphasized significant opportunities for mutual benefit. Key among the discussions were internship programs that would see Venezuelan students placed within Saint Lucia’s hospitality industry to fill existing human resource gaps. Both parties also agreed to collaborate closely with technical and vocational institutions across Saint Lucia to enhance workforce readiness and skills development in hospitality services.

Recognizing the importance of firsthand experience, the SLHTA and the Venezuelan Embassy committed to organizing a familiarization tour for SLHTA member tour operators to Venezuela. This initiative aims to foster stronger tourism linkages, broaden market awareness, and explore opportunities for enhanced regional connectivity, particularly addressing the current airlift limitations affecting the region.

Further, the Embassy of Venezuela highlighted its ongoing social project, “Musical Academic Training for children and youth in Saint Lucia,” inviting SLHTA’s support. The project, planned in phases, includes specialized workshops in choir, wind, and string instruments, culminating in a final performance showcasing young local talent. The next phase, a Strings Workshop scheduled for April 14-24, 2025, seeks SLHTA’s assistance for transportation, refreshments, hydration, and logistical support for a final concert.

“We warmly welcome this multifaceted collaboration,” said Noorani Azeez, CEO of SLHTA. “Not only does it strengthen cultural ties between our nations, but it also actively contributes to the growth and enrichment of our young people, hospitality workforce, and tourism industry. We look forward to a robust partnership with the Venezuelan Embassy, promising shared growth and mutual benefit.”

The SLHTA remains committed to fostering strategic international partnerships that enhance Saint Lucia’s tourism offerings and support community-based initiatives for sustainable tourism growth.

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