Above: St Lucia

By the Caribbean Journal staff

St Lucia reached an all-time high for stopover arrivals in 2013, according to preliminary totals, the St Lucia Tourist Board said Monday.

The island received more than 315,000 visitors in 2013, up from 312,404 in 2012, which was also an all-time record.

St Lucia saw the largest growth from the United States, with an 11 percent jump in that demographic.

“Several factors played an integral part in the success we’ve had this year, each as necessary as the other, from increased airlift accessibility and strategic marketing initiatives to the enhancements made by our hotel partners,” said Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus. “We look forward to starting 2014 on a high note and striving to make this year more productive than last.”

The Tourist Board said it expected hoteliers and tourism entities on the island to spend around $230 million on upgrades and refurbishments in 2014, drawing new brands like Sixth Sense and Capella Resorts.