|
(MOT)- On Wednesday, September 19, 2024, the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information hosted a stakeholder consultation on the 2024/25 cruise season.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Invest St. Lucia/Duty Free Point Seraphine, Global Port Holdings, Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, Foster & Ince Group of Companies (St. Lucia), Cox and Company, Saint Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), Soufriere Marine Management Association, Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, National Conservation Authority, Royal St. Lucia Police Force, Vendors Association, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department.
In anticipation of the arrival of the first vessel on Tuesday 10th October, stakeholders engaged in conversation on matters pertinent to the development of the cruise sector and the passenger experience.
The meeting agenda included a review of the 2023/24 cruise season, safety and security, traffic management, product enhancement, customer service and the redevelopment of Port Castries.
According to statistics from SLASPA, the island is projected to receive 419 cruise ship calls and accommodate approximately 641,022 cruise passengers between October 2024 and September 2025.
One of the most noteworthy discussion points was the increase in cruise calls for Soufriere – a total of 61 compared to 55 last season. Having recognised the increasing number of vessels entering port Soufriere over previous seasons and the significant economic impact throughout the community, representatives from the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF) identified several key interventions aimed at elevating the visitor experience in an area declared by most as the “Mecca” of tourism.
The cruise sector continues to be a pivotal component of Saint Lucia’s tourism offering. The Ministry of Tourism there continues to maintain strong partnerships with cruise stakeholders.
| 
