Saint Lucia’s arrivals are up 27%

August 2024 marked a significant milestone for Saint Lucia’s tourism sector, with total arrivals reaching 34,895.

This figure represents an impressive 27 per cent increase compared to August 2023, marking the eighth consecutive month-on-month growth in 2024.

Leading this upward trend, the U.S. market accounted for 54 per cent of total arrivals, demonstrating a remarkable 44 per cent increase over US arrivals from August 2023. This surge is attributed to a 53 per cent increase in available seats from the U.S. market, primarily driven by American Airlines’ expanded service from Charlotte and Miami.

The Caribbean region also recorded notable growth, with arrivals increasing by 29 per cent year-over-year, paralleling a similar 29% rise in available seats. Key contributions came from airlines such as interCaribbean, Air Adelphi, and Sunrise Airways, which expanded direct airlift from Antigua, Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Jamaica. Additionally, Saint Lucia proudly hosted the Goodwill Swimming Championships in August, attracting a significant influx of visitors from across the Caribbean.

Year-to-date figures rise

Year-to-date figures for August show that stay-over arrivals are 18 per cent higher than in 2023 and three per cent above the same period in 2019, which serves as a key benchmark from before the pandemic.

These numbers suggest that Saint Lucia is on track to surpass 2019’s stay-over arrival totals by the end of the year, signaling a robust recovery for the island’s tourism industry.

Tourism stakeholders are optimistic about sustaining this momentum as the island continues to enhance its appeal as a premier travel destination.

“As we collaborate across the industry, we are committed to implementing innovative strategies that will further elevate the visitor experience and attract even more travellers to our shores,” said chief executive officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Louis Lewis. “Saint Lucia is implementing a reimagined strategy, and recent collaborations with the New York Yankees and Olympic Medalist, Julien Alfred serving as a Tourism Ambassador, together, we will build on this positive trajectory and ensure that Saint Lucia remains a top choice for visitors seeking unforgettable experiences.”