SLHTA’s Chef’s Table Meeting a success!

On Friday, August 16th, 2024, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) hosted a timely Chef’s Table meeting on the theme ‘Tourism and Taxes: Accessing the Tourism Development Act.’

Held at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, the event brought together various stakeholders to gain insight, share ideas and explore the exciting future of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry.

The packed agenda included insightful presentations from key partners:

-Attendees received a comprehensive marketing update from Dexter Percil, Head of Marketing of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. His presentation provided insights into the Destination’s recent performance, current marketing strategies, and future campaigns aimed at bolstering visibility on the global stage.

-Invest Saint Lucia’s Tara Jn Phillip reported on the exciting Tourism Investment Outlook for the country. She shared progress updates on ongoing construction projects, as well as investments on the horizon.

-A team from the Ministry of Tourism, led by Permanent Secretary Donalyn Vittet, focused on the Tourism Development Act, detailing the incentives and concessions available to stakeholders. The productive session left attendees better informed on the vast opportunities that exist to grow and expand their business interests.

-The feature address was delivered by the Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, Hon. Ernest Hilaire, who addressed the importance of collaboration and effective communication among stakeholders. In praising successful partnerships between the public and private sectors, he called for continued efforts to create a supportive environment for business growth and worker benefits. The Minister also highlighted the need for continued dialogue to tackle issues and ensure the industry’s success.

An especially exciting component of the Chef’s Table was the presentation of the Eileen Paul Scholarship to ten secondary school newcomers. The Scholarship is awarded annually to students whose parents are employed in the industry. The jubilant students and parents lit up the room with their smiles, creating an atmosphere of celebration.

The event also featured a dynamic Manufacturers Tradeshow, showcasing an array of goods, including jewellery, clothing, food items, teas, seamoss products, technology, and natural soaps. The manufacturers seized the opportunity to exhibit their products and forge valuable connections with industry stakeholders.

The Chef’s Table concluded with closing remarks from SLHTA Vice President Ms. Erwin Louisy, who reiterated the Association’s pledge to continue forging vital linkages and providing platforms for collaboration and innovation within the industry.