Saint Lucia tourism officials say they’re enthusiastic about the upcoming winter tourist season.

The island’s hotel association is projecting that visitor arrivals will increase for the coming season, according to the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association.

“I am very excited about the promise of increased visitor arrivals from our key source markets this winter,” said new Tourism Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire. “Coupled with the return of Virgin Airlines, the prospects for increased employment, improved trade with local producers and opportunities for entrepreneurship will greatly improve.”

The fourth quarter is also looking strong, according to Paul Collymore, president of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association.

“The pace of business for our accommodation sector is encouraging and showing positive trend over 2018 – 2020. This forecasted level of business activity will redound to the benefit of all Saint Lucians,” he said.

For more on the island’s current protocols, see here.

— CJ