SLHTA Members brace for Slow Season

(Castries, Saint Lucia – August 15^th 2024)- The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is highly encouraged by the strong performance of Saint Lucia’s tourism sector thus far in 2024. The industry has continued to achieve significant milestones, with impressive gains in visitor arrivals and overall industry growth.

The island has recorded month-on-month growth, every month for the first half of this year. The greatest increase was noted in the month of June, when the island welcomed 38,394 visitors to its shores, a 42% increase over June 2023.

The successful hosting of the Jazz & Arts Festival, Lucian Carnival and the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, bolstered the local economy and generated substantial business for accommodation and tourism service providers.

SLHTA President Paul Collymore said, “This success highlights the effectiveness of collaboration, and the tourism private sector is grateful for the strong relationship with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism. The Destination has continued to shine on the international stage, being recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon and Adventure Destination. The SLHTA is excited about the prospects for the coming months, and we remain committed to working together to build on this momentum and continue enhancing Saint Lucia’s appeal as a premier destination.”

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez

The tourism industry is now moving into the annual slower season, which includes the months of September and October. The slow season is marked by a contraction in airlift and lower occupancy levels. This period is not unique to Saint Lucia but is also experienced by numerous islands in the region.

During this time contraction in staffing levels and layoffs are not unusual due to low occupancy and/or temporary closure.

Many hotels and villas make strategic use of the slower season to undertake important refurbishments and upgrades, ensuring they are well-prepared to continue delivering world class service in the upcoming peak season.

Seven SLHTA member hotels, with a total room stock of 1032, will be closed at some point during the slow season to carry out refurbishments. This accounts for 20% of the SLHTA member room stock. This will also have a consequential impact on tourism service providers (restaurants, transportation and tours etc).

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez stated, “Despite the fact that the slower season is approaching, there is still much excitement in the industry. With upgrades to existing properties and new investments on the horizon, Saint Lucia’s tourism industry will continue to be enhanced.  These developments are a testament to the confidence investors and stakeholders have in Saint Lucia’s potential. The SLHTA eagerly anticipates another fantastic Winter Season, during which thousands of visitors will continue to be inspired by Saint Lucia’s friendly people, breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences.”