CHIEF 2023 a success

From November 29- December 1 2023, the SLHTA along with several members attended the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). The regional event provided attendees with three days of industry collaboration, networking and best practice sharing.

Interactive sessions covered a number of pressing topics, including:

-Cracking the Digital Code: Boosting ROI through online Marketing Channels

-Cultivating Caribbean Culture: The Business of Festival Tourism

-Unlocking AI’s Tourism Potential: Practical Insights and Applications

-Maximizing Hotel Revenue: Direct Booking Essentials

-Stopping Waste and Inefficiencies: Data-Driven Decisions to Guide Your Energy and Water Use

Bay Gardens Resorts captures CHIEF Award for Innovation in Sales and Marketing

The SLHTA congratulates Bay Gardens Resorts on winning the CHIEF Award Innovation in Sales and Marketing. The chain was recognized for:

-Employing AI for digital marketing

-Destination-first marketing

-Aggressive social media use

-Dynamic pricing algorithms and data analytics

-Guestbook's cash-back rewards for direct bookings

Jade Mountain a finalist in CHIEF Environmental Sustainability category

The SLHTA congratulates Jade Mountain on being named a finalist in the CHIEF Environmental Sustainability category.

Developing the next generation of industry leaders

Seven young leaders from Saint Lucia's tourism and hospitality industry also attended CHIEF thanks to the SLHTA's Tourism Enhancement Fund. The sponsorship provided the professionals with opportunities to connect with industry experts and attend the riveting sessions.

The young leaders are:

Yatsuri Marshall - Bay Gardens Resorts

Anice O'Niel - Bay Gardens Resorts

Emeka Le Riche - Sandals Resorts

Rhea Isaac - Sea Spray Cruises

Kelly Louis-Volney - The BodyHoliday Saint Lucia

Laudra Maurille-Willie - The Landings Resort and Spa

Cynara Theodore - Windjammer Landing

Team member spotlight: Laudra Willie

The SLHTA congratulates Laudra Willie of the Landings Resort & Spa on her successful participation in the CHIEF workshop Building the Future Workforce: Strategies for Attracting, Engaging and Retaining Top-Tier Tourism Professionals. Willie joined other panelists from the region on Thursday, November 30, 2023 to discuss cultivating a healthy work environment that promotes teamwork, balance, and productivity, ultimately ensuring guest satisfaction.

Saint Lucia does it again!

Saint Lucia has once again asserted its dominance as the ultimate romantic getaway by clinching its 15th title as the World's Leading Honeymoon Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards. The grand ceremony took place in Dubai, UAE on December 1, 2023, where Saint Lucia emerged victorious amidst stiff global competition.

The distinguished accolade was proudly presented to the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Economic Development, and the Youth Economy and Minister for Justice and National Security, while in Dubai for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

Saint Lucia's 15th win in the Honeymoon Destination category solidifies its status as a premier choice for couples seeking a romantic and idyllic escape and provides an unparalleled experience for honeymooners seeking the perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, adventure, and authentic Caribbean hospitality.

Honourable Philip J. Pierre expressed his gratitude for this prestigious recognition, stating, "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the people of Saint Lucia. Our island is not just a destination; it is a haven of love, tranquility, and natural splendor. This achievement reflects the dedication of our tourism industry and the warmth of our people who contribute to making Saint Lucia a world-class honeymoon destination."

Coastal and maritime tourism (blue tourism) has become an important economic sector for countries with accessible and attractive coastlines. However, the subsectors and activities related to coastal and maritime tourism entail significant environmental damage.

The Blue Tourism Initiative (2022-2026) supports a sustainable blue tourism economy in the Mediterranean, the West Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, by raising awareness among public and private stakeholders and facilitating the emergence of sustainable blue tourism practices, as well as promoting cooperation and the sharing of experiences, especially at the regional level.

Get your business recognized!

Ready to take centre stage? Nominate your organization and walk away with a GIMIE in one of four categories!

-Accommodation

-Transportation/ Recreation

-Independent Operator

-Special Awards

Get on the road to the #GIMIES2024! #March2024 and nominate the best in the tourism industry!

Visit https://slutourism.govt.lc/ to nominate now.

Construction continues to move steadily at the Courtyard by Marriott-branded hotel

Happening this week: The 3rd Annual Honey Show

Saint Lucia’s 3rd Annual Honey Show from 8 – 10 December 2023, supported by the OECS through the BioSPACE Project in collaboration with the Saint Lucia UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme.

December 8 - 9, 2023 (Friday and Saturday)

Venue: Constitution Park, Castries, Saint Lucia

Receiving Entries for the Honey Competition

Vending of Honey Products

December 10, 2023 (Sunday)

Venue: Rodney Bay Marina,

Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia

Join Soley Kouche Restaurant for a NYE Celebration!

Embark on a culinary journey as we countdown to the New Year at Soley Kouche! Join us for an extravagant Five-Course New Year's Eve Dinner priced at EC $220 per person. Revel in the extraordinary flavors and celebrations at Soley Kouche - the perfect destination to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new....

Get in touch with us today to get your tickets! Call 758-286-6042 or 758-572-6041 now!

Recycle OECS Plastic Pollution Survey

The OECS Commission is implementing the Recycle OECS Project which aims to develop a sustainable model for waste separation, collection, and recycling model, and position the OECS to lead the region in EU-CARIFORUM Zero Waste effort. The Model will be demonstrated in Grenada and Dominica. Public awareness, knowledge and participation is essential for the success of the Project. We invite you to participate in this 3-5 minute survey, which will help to assess current Knowledge, Attitudes, Perception and Behaviours (KAP/B) as it relates to plastic pollution and plastic recycling.

Survey link: https://forms.gle/nLfGxPpvniudjREx8

FarmHers Market returns to the South!

‘Tis the season to gift local!

Helen’s Daughters’ FarmHers Market returns to the south! Join us Project Chocolat from 11 on Sunday, December 10th for a shopping experience like no other.

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