Saint Lucia Tourism Authority has announced a significant
milestone for Saint Lucia's tourism sector in August 2024, with total arrivals
reaching almost 35,000. This number represents an impressive 27 percent increase
compared to August 2023, marking the eighth consecutive month-on-month growth
in 2024.
Leading the upward trend, the US market accounted for 54
percent of total arrivals, demonstrating a 44 percent increase over US arrivals
from August 2023. The impressive
surge is attributed to a 53 percent increase in available seats from the US
market, primarily driven by American Airlines expanded services from Charlotte
and Miami.
The Caribbean
region also saw notable growth, with arrivals increasing by 29 percent
year-over-year, paralleling a similar 29 percent availability of available
seats.
Key contributions came from airlines such as interCaribbean,
Air Adelphi and Sunrise Airways, which expanded direct airlift from Antigua,
Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Jamaica. Additionally, Saint Lucia hosted
the Goodwill Swimming Championships in August, attracting a significant influx
of visitors from across the Caribbean.
Stay-over arrivals for August measured 18 percent higher
than in 2023 and 3 percent above the same period in 2019, which served as a key
benchmark before the pandemic. These numbers suggest that Saint Lucia is on
track to surpass 2019's stay-over arrival totals by the end of 2024, signaling
a robust recovery for the islands tourism industry.
Tourism stakeholders are optimistic about sustaining this
momentum as the island continues to enhance its appeal as a premier travel
destination. Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority,
Louis Lewis said in a statement, As we collaborate across the industry, we are
committed to implementing innovative strategies that will further elevate the
visitor experience and attract even more travelers to our shores.
Lewis added, Saint Lucia is implementing a reimagined
strategy, and recent collaborations with the New York Yankees and Olympic
Medalist, Julien Alfred serving as a Tourism Ambassador, together, we will
build on this positive trajectory and ensure that Saint Lucia remains a top
choice for visitors seeking unforgettable experiences.
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