Funky Fungi capitalizes on assistance from SLHTA TEF’s Enterprise Development Fund
Ever since becoming the first beneficiary of the SLHTA TEF’s Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) in December 2019, local business Funky Fungi has mushroomed into an even better success story. It turns out that the company’s very existence is also deeply connected to the Fund.
Unveiled at the SLHTA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in August 2019, the EDF focuses on supporting existing enterprises which have already been in operation but are seeking financial injection to better penetrate the tourism and hospitality sector. By acting as a loan guarantee facility the EDF enables qualifying small businesses to access the capital critical to enhancing their competitiveness and profitability.
In December 2019, the TEF presented a check for EC$25,000 to Funky Fungi, a local commercially-capable supplier of mushrooms owned and operated by entrepreneur Alexis William. The company has been able to reliably and consistently provide a product to the hospitality sector that is fresher and more affordable than those imported...Read More
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SLHTA Launches "Partner with a family" Programme
With thousands of displaced tourism sector employees still finding it difficult to make ends meet during the COVID- 19 pandemic, the introduction of an innovative new programme seems poised to ease their socio-economic plight.
The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), a humanitarian arm of the Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA), has launched the “Partner with a Family” programme, aimed at supporting qualifying families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with financial assistance of EC$500.00 monthly. Where needed, families will also be provided with counselling to cope with the social and psychological impact of the pandemic.
The SLHTA’s TEF believes that the unfortunate circumstances brought about by COVID-19 compel individuals, communities, and private sector agencies to work closely with displaced families during the current economic crisis...Read More
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SLHTA Applauds Government’s Adjustments to COVID 19 Protocols
The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) has described Government’s adjustments to the COVID-19 Prevention and Control regulations some from Friday, June 25, 2021 and others from Thursday 1 st July, as a positive move worthy of praise. On Thursday, June 24, 2021, the Office of the Prime Minister released a statement indicating the amendments to the protocols related to COVID-19.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, these decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers followed consultations with the Command Centre and based on data which reflects the number of active COVID-19 cases in country. Further, Saint Lucians are being encouraged to get vaccinated and follow all protocols to further decrease the spread of COVID-19.
The SLHTA’s elation in response to these relaxed protocols is resounding as we believe that the food and beverage, transportation and events...Read More
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Saint Lucia Welcomes the return of Cruise Lines
St Lucia tourism officials on Friday said the return of the cruise liner, Celebrity Millennium, to the island on Tuesday sets the tone for the gradual reintroduction of cruise tourism since the closure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Celebrity Millennium is due to arrive with an estimated 400-passengers.
The authorities said that Royal Caribbean Cruises to Port Castries calls are tentatively scheduled for July 13, and August 10 and that other cruise lines will also confirm their itineraries in the near future...Read More
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Jamaica’s PM announces curfew ease
The Jamaica government Tuesday announced reduced hours for the curfew as it moves to reopen the entertainment industry hard hit by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, told Parliament that effective July 1, the curfew hours will begin 11 p.m. (local time) Mondays to Saturdays and 6 p.m. on Sundays, ending at 5 a.m. the following day. He said this will continue until August 11.
“We believe, Madam Speaker, that this will allow almost full return in terms of business capacity to the quick service industries, and it will start the phasing in of entertainment,” Holness told legislators, adding that the entertainment sector will have to be reset to operate within the new hours...Read More
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Green list change prompts holiday pricing chaos
The prices of flights and hotels for new green list travel destinations have swung sharply in both directions since the guidance was changed on Thursday.
The government added 16 destinations to the list. Travellers returning from these do not have to isolate on return. Destinations include Malta and Spain's Balearic Islands, and some holidays have doubled in price, the Independent's travel editor Simon Calder said. Airlines have added extra capacity.
Initially when these new flights have become available, prices have fallen as extra supply takes up the demand...Read More
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Sustainability in the hospitality industry – Top Tips for getting started
Sustainability in the hospitality industry has risen up the agenda as we enter 2021. The pandemic is starting to loosen its grip with the roll out of vaccines together with testing regimes and improved hygiene protocols. Hoteliers can start thinking about how to attract guests and raise occupancy rates to sustainable levels.
The world has certainly changed during 2020. Alongside the daily news about Covid-19, the state of our planet has also come center stage. Everyone is talking about sustainability, including your guests. It is on our minds at home when we try to reduce our plastic use and in the workplace as more and more businesses are setting sustainability goals...Read More
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