SHARE:  
Join Our Email List
TOURISM MATTERS
SLHTA’s Quaterly General Meeting

On Tuesday December 17th, 2019  the Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) will be hosting its Quarterly General Meeting  (QGM)  under the theme “ Creating Connections; Building Linkages”.   This theme was deemed best suited as   the Association has continued to focus on the importance of linkages within the Agriculture, Arts & Craft, Manufacturing and Small Business Enterprises Sectors. In addition, the SLHTA has prioritized the need for Allied Members to build alliances, develop relationships and acquire mutual benefits with the Accommodation Sector. A number of important matters have been tabled for discussion including member concerns about the proposed Head Tax, Amendment to the SLHTA Bye Laws, Introduction of the SLHTA’s Strategic Plans 2020-2023, among others. The  QGM  is scheduled to take place at the Harbor Club Resort from  1:30 pm – 5:30 pm  followed by a Business Mixer from  5:30pm – 7:00 pm . The Guest Speaker invited to present is  IICA ( InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture) Hemispheric Agro-tourism Specialist,  Ena Harvey  from the IICA Delegation in Barbados. Over the last four years, she has spearheaded IICA’s initiatives with the public and private sector in Agro-tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America, including the development of a Caribbean Strategy and Action Plan for trade linkages and rural tourism development.

This Quarter’s General Meeting of members is proudly sponsored by the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund, Effy Jewelry, Zippy Freight and the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

For registration details please contact the SLHTA at membership@slhta.com .
SLHTA Tax Committee Analyses Impact of
Head Tax

The SLHTA’s Head Tax Committee convened an emergency meeting to discuss feedback from the Ministry of Finance that the proposed Head Tax which it has been negotiating with the Government for almost two years now, is set to be implemented in April 2020. A Cabinet decision outlining the terms of the Head Tax was analyzed for its impact on operations. Hotels representing over 1000 rooms met at the Secretariat to register their concerns about the negative impact of the model of the tax being proposed by Government.

Chaired by the organization’s Immediate Past President Sanovnik Destang, the Committee also reviewed past presentations to Government which have explained various alternative permutations of the tax which is designed to raise funds for the marketing and administrative operations of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. The SLHTA’s proposal have all attempted to ensure that the Prime Minister’s assurance that the Head Tax should be revenue neutral and have minimal negative impact on hotel operations, were honored.

The SLHTA’s third response letter to the Government this year alone, noted that the current model of the tax being proposed by Cabinet will definitely have negative consequences on operations, be impossible to transfer to guests and may prove disruptive to discretionary benefits accorded by some hotels. Member concerns were documented and shared with Government in a letter from SLHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy on Thursday 12th December 2019.
ABTA Launches Travel Trends Report 2020

The findings from ABTA’s Travel Trends 2020 report, released today, highlight that despite the political context consumer sentiment is positive when it comes to holiday-taking. ABTA research shows that travel is a spending priority for the year ahead, with over a quarter of people (27%) planning to spend more on their holiday, up from 25% who said the same last year. https://www.abta.com/news/abta-launches-travel-trends-report-2020
SLUNCF set to move on Collaboration for Conservation

Board members of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund met this week for their final Board meeting of 2019. The meeting was very well attended by founding members and other board members. Directors discussed a number of matters related to governance, human resources of the Secretariat, status of grants for disbursement and the commencement of the Coalition for Conservation.

The Coalition for Conservation, which will be launched at the SLHTA’s upcoming QGM on 17th December 2019 will showcase the tremendous efforts of local hotels involved in environmental preservations and conservation. Dr. Vasantha Chase, CEO of the SLUNCF will a presenting sponsor of the SLHTA’s QGM and will roll out this remarkable program designed to celebrate the work of the hospitality and tourism sector in improving their greening practices, educating team members on environmental matters and encouraging local communities to get involved in this global initiative.
On Sunday December 15th 2019 SLHTA Goodwill Ambassador Lavern Spencer's Group "Focus" Donated 10 Food Hampers to various needy persons within the community of Babonneau.

Look out for the SLHTA's Christmas Hamper Donations coming soon.
2020 Travel Trends: The 7 Top Things to Watch Out For - Big 7 Travel

As we get ready to head into a new decade, we wanted to look at the 2020 travel trends that will shape the way we all vacation and shape the industry as a whole.

The world is an uncertain place at the moment with political factors, global warming concerns and a huge technological shift happening all at once. One thing tha t won’t  change however, is that people will still want to travel. They are  doing so in record numbers,  with huge new emerging markets shaking up the industry.

So what will the main 2020 travel trends be? We decided to delve a little deeper and pick out the seven most important shifts happening... Source Link
SLHTA TEF Xmas Hampers

The Tourism Enhancement Fund is set to embark on its annual Xmas Hampers distribution to spread the seasonal cheers and goodwill to families in need. Annually over 250 hampers are distributed to needy families islandwide containing sanitary products, food items and other household supplies. This year the SLHTA has been inundated with requests for support from a number of communities and is exploring increasing the number of hampers to 300. The hampers are usually distributed directly by the TEF and through churches, community groups and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. For more information call us at 453-1811.
Crime and Citizen Security
   
Anthony Martial, Crime & Security Liaison Officer at the SLHTA attended the Rodney Bay Business Meeting on Crime & Security. The meeting was held at the Coco Palm on Thursday 5th December 2019 and was well attended by the business community. The meeting was very interesting as they discussed crime and security for the business places in the area. The owners of business were asked to brief their security officer on duty at their establishment and advise them to be vigilant and alert. There Hon. Jeannine Giraudy McIntyre made some brief remarks and the feature address was delivered by Deputy Commissioner of Police Milton Desir.

Crime presentation tips were delivered by Sgt. Shervon Mathieu and IBS Inc. made a presentation on security equipment available to business places.
Effy Jewelery

Effy Jewelry is a New York City based fine jewelry company founded in 1979 by Designer Effy Hematian. Still family run today, Effy Hematian remains highly involved designing an endless array of beautiful collections season after season for every taste and occasion.

Come visit us at Duty Free Pointe Seraphine, Castries... https://www.effyjewelry.com/
Address : #14 Duty Free Complex, Castries, St. Lucia
Phone : +1 758-452-3339
Love Your Planet!
Sea Spray Cruises to lessen plastic footprint on our Environment

Sea Spray Cruises recently hosted an information session with Mr. Carl Hunter, Director at St. Lucia Solid Waste & Chair of SLHTA’s Sustainable Tourism Committee. He covered the importance of Sustainable tourism and the affects the Pollution is having on St. Lucia and the world at large. The Sea Spray Cruises staff were thoroughly engaged and had great feedback from the session. Sea Spray Cruises continues to do their part to cut out single use plastics from the day to day operations of the business.

The most recent change is the move from single use plastic cups to reusable cups for all tours. By the end of 2020 Sea Spray Cruises would like to be able to say that they use absolutely no Single Use Plastic.
website:  www.seaspraycruises.com    
SLHTA extends Congratulations to Saint Lucia's Minister of Tourism

Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year: Dominica Fedee, Saint Lucia

Fedee has helped steward a destination that is one of the hottest in the Caribbean and has become a haven for high-profile investment, from Cabot’s highly-anticipated gold resort at the northern tip of the island to a major new cruise destination in south. That’s without mentioning an exemplary role as chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, doing an outstanding job as an ambassador for Caribbean tourism as a whole... Read More

SLHTA Quarterly General Meeting – 17 December 2019 at 1:30pm, Harbor Club

SLHTA Annual Xmas Raffle Draw – 17 December 2019 at 5:15pm, Harbor Club

SLHTA Logo Competition Winners Announcement - 17 December 2019, Harbor Club

Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives Leadership Conference – 19-20 January 2020, The Bahamas

Caribbean Marketplace – 21-23 January 2020, The Bahamas
East Winds Inn Saint Lucia    

Discover the best kept secret in Saint Lucia and immerse yourself in true Caribbean luxury. East Winds is a breathtaking tropical garden by the sea, planted on a sandy, secluded storybook beach. Our Caribbean hideaway is the island’s original boutique resort, featuring 30 cottage style suites tucked away amongst lush plants, trees, and a kaleidoscope of colourful bird life.

East Winds is home to what many consider the island’s finest beach shared only by a small number of like-minded travellers. Guests at East Winds can expect personalised care, exclusive adventures, and an all-inclusive service, as well as the most authentic of Caribbean experiences... http://www.eastwinds.com
Sea Spray Cruises Vacancy
We currently have 2 openings for experienced Crew Members and invite suitably qualified individuals to apply.

Send your applications to Sea Spray Cruises via Email at info@seaspraycruises.com or call (758) 458 0123. Our office is located in the Rodney Bay Marina, and interested persons can email or drop off a CV or Resume.
For more information on Vacancy Notices, visit our website at http://www.slhta.com/vacancies/
...Culinary Corner...
Chocolate glazed foie gras quail bonbon, caramelized onion, pineapple summer roll, pink pepper coral
Orlando's Restaurant & Bar Expands
   
It’s arguably the most legendary place to eat in Saint Lucia: Orlando’s, the Soufriere restaurant helmed by one the island’s greatest chefs, Orlando Satchell.

And now it’s expanded.
Satchell has announced the opening of his second Orlando’s restaurant, with the new location having officially opened in always-bustling Rodney Bay.

“The second base will enable me to ‘share the love’ with patrons in the north of the island, who are seeking a fine-dining experience featuring Caribbean cuisine,” Satchell told Caribbean Journal... Read More

   'Apollo of Brough', Ohlson 38 - For Sale
Apollo of Brough is an Ohlson 38 ... with a difference!

The current owner bought this beautiful yacht only 8 months before going missing at sea. 'Apollo of Brough' is now sadly in need of a new owner, she is currently located on the hard in Rodney Bay Marina in St. Lucia. During the 8 months, the owner overhauled the electrics and was looking forward to new adventures in her after a “magic” sail with friends from North Sound Marina, Antigua to Falmouth; then on, single-handed to Rodney Bay, St. Lucia.
The Previous owner bought this beautiful yacht 15 years ago and she has been extensively prepared for long distance cruising for either a single - handed sailor or a couple.

A professional out of water survey was carried out in Lanzarote in 2015 with a favourable summary (a copy of which can be made available to very serious enquiries) and the standing rigging was replaced in 2014.

History
Designed in Sweden & built by Tyler Boat Company in Brough on the Humber (UK), to exceed Lloyds specification, the Ohlson 38 is iconic.

Apollo of Brough was built in 1981 & modified by the current owner several years ago to increase the waterline length for comfortable, easy motion & speed. She is fast & manoeuvrable with her large balanced spade rudder.

With a beautiful handcrafted wood interior she is the perfect combination of solid classic design & contemporary lines.

Expressions of interest in “Apollo of Brough” are sought, with an asking price of USD $18,000 or nearest offer.

Key Details:
Manufacturer: Ohlson 38
Hull Material: Fibreglass
Rig: Sloop
Type: Aft Cockpit
Engine: BMC 1.5L, 4 cylinder diesel, 36bhp
Flag: UK

Tankage:
Fuel: 25 gallons (imperial)
Water: 80 gallons (in the keel)
Holding tank: approx. 8 gallons
Displacement: 7.5 tonnes
Ballast: 3 tonnes lead

Dimensions:
Length: 38ft
LWL: 36ft
Beam: 10ft
Draft: 6ft
Displacement to length ratio: 160

Speed:
Cruising speed: 6 knots @1400 RPM ( 3.8hrs per gallon)
Max speed:7.2 knots @ 1900 RPM

Accommodation:
- 5 berths in total (2 with lea cloths)
- Fore peak with double bed (hanging locker and shelves)
- Galley area
- Chart table
- Heads

Contacts:
Lynne Vaughan lynnevneston@gmail.com Tel. (+44)151 336 8920
Janet Saxby janetsaxby@yahoo.co.uk Tel. (+44)1482 843240

A full Inventory and further information is available to those with serious interest in “Apollo of Brough”