“As of yesterday, the promise made by the Prime Minister in the 2025-26 Budget took effect,” King said. “It has to do with the Airport Service Charge Amendment Regulations, which reduces travel tax for Saint Lucians travelling out of Saint Lucia and regional travellers travelling to Saint Lucia.”

The temporary reduction, which will run for six months, is aimed at stimulating regional travel, especially during the summer season with carnival and low hotel occupancy.

“We’re hoping that will have some impact on the economy in terms of regional travellers maybe opting to travel to Saint Lucia as a priority, as a destination of choice,” King added.

There have been calls for regional governments to reduce and eliminate taxes on regional tickets to facilitate increased inter-island travel, to date Antigua and Barbuda has led the way with a 50% reduction on regional travel with Barbados also implementing a 50% reduction but only select destinations which do not include the OECS.