TOURISM MATTERS
Let’s raise our glasses to the future!
Full of love, understanding, appreciation and gratitude.
Happy 41st Anniversary of Independence Saint Lucia
Member Support
(Hummingbird Beach Resort)

Advocating on issues affecting our members is a very important service to SLHTA members. Apart from lobbying for amendments to legislation, policy and tax reform, the SLHTA also assists with Security Assessment and conflict mediation whenever called upon. A recent meeting with various stakeholders in Soufriere sought to craft solutions to some of these challenges and encourage collaboration towards common goals. If you have concerns regarding noise pollution, security concerns or standards contact the Secretariat at 453-1811 for assistance.
Meeting of Saint Lucia Private Sector Council

The SLHTA Chaired a sitting of the Saint Lucia Private Sector Council as the heads of various private sector associations assembled. The discussions sought to orient new representatives about the institutional framework of the PSC, obtain updates on various matters ranging from sustainable development goals to advocating for legislative amendments. The Coalition of Service Providers was identified as the new Chair of the PSC over the coming year. Other private sector associations in attendance included the Bankers’ Association, Chamber of Commerce, Employers’ Federation and the Manufacturers’ Association. Discussions also centered around Labor Laws review, Insolvency Legislation, OECS Business Council and Data Protection Laws.
SLHTA Young Leaders Final Lap

SLHTA Young Leaders undertook the final leg of their two-year training last week as they attended a workshop on conflict resolution. The team has now completed training in a number of leadership development workshops and are set to complete a final field trip before graduating in March 2020. The SLHTA will soon circulate another call for persons interested in the SLHTA Young Leaders’ Program commencing May 2020.
PMDU Visit to discuss Airlift

Representatives from the Performance Management and Delivery Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office met with the SLHTA last week to assess industry challenges with airlift. Assessing airlift is key to ensuring visitor access to our destination. Last year’s notification about the impending loss of airline carriers created a stir in the industry triggering assessments and concerns. The SLHTA commissioned its own study of the challenges presented and made recommendations to Government on possible carriers and potential partners to fill in the loss. Recent notification of new flights were welcomed by the industry however the high cost of airfare and the demand for airlift presented by the growth of the informal accommodation sector were key considerations in the discussions.
SLHTA meets with Republic Bank

A long overdue first meeting between the SLHTA and Republic Bank was achieved last week as SLHTA Director Kirk Elliott and our CEO met with Mr. Gordon Julien, General Manager and Country Head of Republic Bank. Sharing his thoughts after the meeting Director Elliott commented that “Both Noorani and I were delighted by the vision you shared of Republic Bank being  "ready for business" , and your keen interest in being a member of the SLHTA. I was particularly encouraged by your passion for supporting entrepreneurship and in the CSR presence you seek to have in Saint Lucia.”

The two parties have agreed to pursue a second round of discussions and explore areas of collaboration with SLHTA members.
SLHTA Board of Directors Meeting

The Board of Directors gathered for their second Board Meeting for 2020. The meeting was attended by a group of Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Young Leaders made a call for mentors to assist them with their management aspirations. The team also made recommendations for the introduction of soft skills training for entry level personnel seeking careers in hospitality and tourism as well as the establishment of a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee which could support and nurture small business creation in the tourism industry.

The meeting of Directors also reviewed the global challenge with the Novel Coronavirus outbreak and updates for members. Intensive training and development programs are underway to ensure our sector continues to apply the highest levels of vigilance and hygiene practices. Other topics discussed included Crime and Security, Airlift, Marketing and updates from various Directors representing their respective sectors.
GURU Pushes for Agro-Tourism Linkages

SLHTA CEO sat with Jade Hutchinson of Guru Marketplace to discuss the Association’s involvement in Climate Smart Agriculture and FarmSmart Advisory Committee. The Guru Marketplace representative presented a web based software which promises to:
  1. improve producer and buyer market coordination
  2. improve price, demand and supply prediction and trend accuracy
  3. support value chain integration and improved data collection
  4. strengthen market linkages and information management
  5. improving procurement systems that incentivize local demand.
Villa C'est La Vie
"A luxurious five bedroom Villa in a serene tropical garden close to the beach."

C'est la Vie stands amidst a lush tropical garden surrounded by flowering shrubs, fruit trees and a large free form swimming pool. It is only a stone's throw from a secluded cove which is home to many different species of fish, making it ideal for snorkelling. A quiet and beautiful golden sand beach is located about five minutes walk away on the other side of the peninsula.

Start each day on the upper veranda where a lounge set and breakfast table give you a perfect vantage points for your eyes to wander from ornate curved eaves to carved hardwood railings to the endless green landscape. Saunter down to the swimming pool and dip your head under the waterfall. Dry off on a chaise longue before retiring to the nearby daybed. Refresh yourself under the outdoor shower then join your guests at the Banana Bar or fire up the barbecue... http://www.villacestlavie.com
Sustainable Tourism Stories

The SLHTA is pleased to be supporting this year’s Run for Fun event in Saint Lucia Run For Fun . The initiative which is coordinated by Serenity Vacations in Saint Lucia supports building an inclusive tourism for all stakeholders. Commenting on the event this year Serenity Vacations Managing Director John Mathurin stated “we have invited deserving athletes from the Gros Islet Primary school to participate in the event, giving much exposure to the impressionable students on matters of Tourism and collectivity. These are innately gifted youngsters who are at risk without proper guidance. Over the past few months, I have personally given time and resource in motivating and mentoring. ”

The race will start and end at Constitution Part in Castries at 9:00 AM with the Vigie Lighthouse as a turning Point. Key Sponsors this year are Bay Gardens Resorts, Windward and Leeward Brewery, Rainforest Adventures and for the first time the SLHTA. Mathurin further indicated that “This years "give back" will be directed solely to the SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund with Run For Fun Cruise donating all supplies (cash and material) to the TEF.”
Public Relations Manager

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority invites applicants for the position of Public Relations Manager based in Saint Lucia. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The incumbent is responsible for managing the PR Agencies and coordinating the PR effort of Saint Lucia in its main tourist generating markets. He/She is to highlight the activities of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority with an effective Public Relations strategy, which will assist in creating a positive public image of the destination and the Authority within the local public and the international markets. The specific duties for this position are outlined
SLHTA is pleased to welcome to our membership fold Spice of India.

Spice of India is truly a sophisticated Indian restaurant situated in the heart of Rodney Bay. With over 20 years in the industry, Chef Adil has travelled across the Atlantic Ocean creating scintillating dishes to satisfy the palates of eager patrons throughout the Caribbean. Along with his Sous chef, Chef Adil celebrates his love of cooking by bringing a modern flair to the ancient, traditional Indian Tandoor technique of cooking to St. Lucia. Diners can enjoy watching the Chefs in action in the open display kitchen or gain personal lessons from the chef himself. https://spiceofindiastlucia.com/
SLHTA meets with Culinary Team Management

SLHTA’s Culinary Management Team met last week to discuss preparations for the upcoming Taste of the Caribbean Competition. The event which will be held in June this year attracts keen competitors from a number of regional destinations vying for many coveted awards. The Committee met to discuss fundraising, review of last year’s performance and sponsorship for this year’s team. Look out for more in next week’s edition of our weekly newsletter Tourism Matters.
Castries City Walkers

City Walkers is tour guiding business centered at the heart of Saint Lucia, Castries city. Some historians share the belief that entire history of St. Lucia revolves around Castries. City Walkers offers the only walking tour experiences available in the city. One can choose between history tours, food tours and shopping tours. Knowledgeable guides safely lead on the excursion lasting no more than an hour or two. It is absolutely the best way to learn about the historic city and the most intimate way to explore it.

Love history? Relive some of the city’s historic events as vividly brought to life by the youthful guides on a ‘ Dwivayèz’ History Tour . Get a ‘Taste of Saint Lucia’ by sampling local treats and delicacies on a food tasting journey that will move you through the Caribbean. City Walkers offers an authentic St. Lucian shopping experiences on the ‘West Indian Shopaholic’ tour. From handmade baskets to wooden carvings, find it in Castries with City Walkers.

Enjoy one or all of these experiences.
BECOME A CHTA MEMBER

Networking, information/data sharing and human capital development are just some of the benefits that CHTA members enjoy year-round.  Whether it is participating in our signature events, contributing to the CHTA monthly newsletter or attending one of our training and development courses, CHTA is your touch point to the Caribbean hospitality industry.
 
Enroll and engage with CHTA to build a stronger business and contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector in the region!