SLHTA’s New Board of Directors set to Drive Tourism’s Regenerative Impact

(Castries, Saint Lucia – Monday, March 31st 2025)- The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) hosted its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, March 28th 2025 under the theme Beyond Growth: Tourism’s Regenerative Impact, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the future of Saint Lucia’s tourism sector.

The AGM, made possible by Sagicor, Republic Bank, Lynch Caribbean Brokers, the SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), provided a platform for discussions on sustainability and innovation, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to a tourism industry that drives economic progress and environmental and social transformation.

The Closed Session featured the re-election of several directors and the election of new directors, both unopposed, reflecting ongoing trust in the SLHTA’s leadership.

The new Board will serve from 2025-2027 and comprises:

⦁ Marella Devaux- Representative for Luxury Villas and Vacation Rentals
⦁ Winston Anderson- Representative for Large Hotels
⦁ Christian Gandara- Representative for High End Boutique Hotels
⦁ Yatsuri Marshall – Representative for Small Properties (Small Hotels, Inns/ Bed & Breakfast Establishments & Guesthouses)
⦁ Wadi Zakhour- Representative for Independent Restaurants and Food & Beverage Suppliers
⦁ Sherma Flavius – Representative for Ground Transportation & Cruise Sub-sector and Tour Service Providers (Automobile Rentals, National Taxi Union, Tourism Taxis & Cruise related businesses)
⦁ Sean Devaux – Representative for the Yachting and Maritime sub-sector
⦁ Daryl Raymond – Representative for Utility Companies, Statutory Corporations and Financial Institutions
⦁ Kirk Elliott – Representative At Large for Banks, Professionals, Educational Training Institutions & Other Allied Members

The Board is led by the Executive Committee comprising:

⦁ Erwin Louisy – President
⦁ Karolin Trobetzkoy – Vice President
⦁ Noorani M. Azeez – Chief Executive Officer

The Association extends its thanks to outgoing directors Corey Devaux and Cheryl Gustave for their exceptional volunteer service.

Dr. James Flecther

In his feature address, CARICOM Climate Envoy Dr. James Fletcher expertly presented on the many threats facing Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, including the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and susceptibility to economic shocks. He rallied attendees to make the tourism industry a force for good—not just a driver of economic growth but also a catalyst for environmental and societal regeneration. He underscored the urgent need for climate-resilient, low-carbon tourism through initiatives such as green building design, sustainable energy adoption and nature-based solutions.

Turning the focus to regional cooperation, Arlene Friday, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA), highlighted the strong partnership between the SLHTA and GHTA, including recent collaborations such as the SLHTA’s support for Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. She also emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing on best practices within the regional tourism industry.

In their remarks, Minister for Tourism Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire, SLHTA President Erwin Louisy and SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez, all stressed the importance of collaboration and pledged their commitment to continue working together to help grow the hospitality and tourism industry.

Attendees also received key updates from partner agencies:

• Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Donalyn Vittet, provided a detailed report on Saint Lucia’s ongoing tourism development projects valued at approximately $64 million. The exciting projects aim to enhance the quality and diversity of Saint Lucia’s tourism product and increase visitor spend. They include: Anchorage on the Waterfront, Gros Islet Recreational Park, Anse Ferre Park and Lookout, Choiseul Arts & Craft Centre, Morne Layby Redevelopment and the Underwater Sculpture Park.

• SLTA CEO Louis Lewis highlighted the island’s strong tourism performance, with 2024 stayover arrivals surpassing 2019 levels by 3% and growing 14% over 2023. He also outlined key marketing initiatives, including targeted activations in Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as efforts to boost airlift and reduce airport taxes.

• Led by General Manager Daren Cenac, the SLASPA team provided in-depth progress reports on the Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment project and Castries Seaport modernization and improvement project.

A special highlight of the AGM was the Tourism Legends Awards, during which the Association recognized five long standing team members for their many years of outstanding service, devotion and commitment to Saint Lucia’s hospitality and tourism industry.

(Left to right) SLHTA President Erwin Louisy, Lucius Joseph, Lucien Joseph, Waltrude Patrick, Errol Hunte, husband of Laura Hunte and SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez.

This year’s recipients are:

• Laura Hunte
• Bernard Johnson
• Lucien ‘Nobee’ Joseph
• Lucius Joseph
• Waltrude Patrick

Students from Millet Combined School and Roseau R.C. Combined, part of the ongoing after-school programmes funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, showcased their talent at the AGM, leaving attendees impressed with their exceptional performances. These programmes, offering subjects like mathematics, music, soft skills, sports and agriculture are a perfect example of how tourism can have a regenerative impact, nurturing the next generation.

The SLHTA wishes to thank all attendees and sponsors for making the 2025 AGM a resounding success. The Association remains committed to serving as the voice of the hospitality industry and driving tourism’s regenerative impact.