SLHTA Official Says COVID-19 Protocols Are In The Best Interests Of Everyone

The Director of independent restaurants at the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), Chef Orlando Satchell, says although the industry continues to be hit hard as a result of COVID-19, the protocols announced by the government to address the spread of the potentially deadly virus are in the best interests of all Saint Lucians. He also said he supports the latest curfew in the interest of trying to safeguard Saint Lucia and not just one sector of the country.

“From an association point of view we all understand that these measures are in place to support Saint Lucia. It’s not about independent restaurants and not about independent businesses, it’s all holistic,” Satchell told St Lucia Times.

And although he observed that the COVID-19 protocols will affect business, the SLHTA official explained that business people will have to make adjustments to cope. “Our industry continues to be hit hard and again I am sure that in light of the conversations we will obviously present our case to the government, but in doing so I am also mindful that we are not the only sector being hit hard. I imagine taxi drivers are being hit hard, too, I imagine the fishermen are being hit hard, so ultimately we as a sector have to figure out how do we get in line and support the government in its move to facilitate everybody,” Satchell declared.

“Yes, Saint Lucia is being seen as a tourist destination but at the end of the day we are a holistic Island where we have to find ways to work with each other and make sure that Saint Lucia survives. It’s not about independent individuals – it’s about we as Saint Lucia putting our best foot forward to work with each other,” he noted.
SAINT LUCIA TOURISM INDUSTRY POISED FOR A STRONG WINTER

The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association is looking forward to an exciting 2021 winter season as countries around the world gradually reopen their borders and lift covid-19 restrictions. There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic halted the travel industry last year but this year, SLHTA is projecting that visitor arrivals will increase for the coming season. This expected increase, the SLHTA believes, will auger well for the livelihoods of St Lucians across the board.

Newly appointed Minister of Tourism Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire publicly expressed his enthusiasm about the prospects for the tourism arrivals this winter especially with the reintroduction of Virgin Atlantic Airlines, which services one of the island’s primary source markets. “I am very excited about the promise of increased visitor arrivals from our key source markets this winter. Coupled with the return of Virgin Airlines, the prospects for increased employment, improved trade with local producers and opportunities for entrepreneurship will greatly improve,” Hilaire said.

The Minister also stressed that the Government was committed to ensuring collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that Saint Lucia is safe for every Saint Lucian and visitor alike. In echoing his statements, Chief Executive Officer of the SLHTA Noorani Azeez said the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic could not be ignored and reaffirmed his association’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism to ensure safe and fun travels for all to the Helen of the Caribbean.

Azeez added the SLHTA was also encouraged by the engagements with the Ministry of Tourism over the past few weeks. “We trust that this commitment to ensure ‘consultation before decisions are taken’ will ensure decisions are made in the best interest of our island.”

Likewise, Paul Collymore, President of SLHTA is also optimistic of the upcoming fourth quarter. “The pace of business for our accommodation sector is encouraging and showing positive trend over 2018 – 2020. This forecasted level of business activity will redound to the benefit of all Saint Lucians,” he said.
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“The policy will address the risk factors which contribute to increasing rates of chronic non-
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Arrivals Rising in Tourism Sector

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During the period July 2021, some 10 819 visitors travelled to Barbados, a significant increase of 6 745 visitors compared to the corresponding period of July 2020.

The United States (US) copped 43.3 per cent market share, while the United Kingdom (UK) contributed 34.4 per cent of business with 3 722 arrivals for the reporting period. This occurred after Barbados was added to the UK COVID-19 Green watchlist. Barbados was fortunate to be placed on this list for the second time since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic...Read More