“Today’s gathering is an important reminder that tourism is more than a single industry. It connects our people, sustains our livelihoods, and inspires us to do better, not only for those who visit our destination, but for the generation of Saint Lucians who will inherit the legacy we build today,” Anderson said.
Highlighting the association’s philanthropic initiatives, Anderson who also serves as the Chairman of the Torusom Enhancement Fund (TEF), praised the TEF as one of the proudest achievements of the SLHTA, “a model of private sector leadership and solidarity.”
Established through voluntary contributions from hoteliers, the fund has supported projects that impact communities across the island, from home refurbishments and scholarships to the restoration of public spaces and environmental initiatives.
Anderson emphasized the fund’s focus on food security and community support, citing the SLHTA’s annual food feeding program and the upcoming “One Can Food Drive,” which encourages industry employees to donate a can of food each month to assist vulnerable citizens.
“This initiative, alongside our school scholarship programs and community enrichment projects, reminds us that tourism must always serve humanity first,” he noted.
Environmental preservation also remains a key priority. The Tourism Fund has provided seed financing for the Marine Health Alliance, supported the St. Lucia National Conservation Fund, and partnered with NGOs to protect coral reefs, promote sustainable fishing practices, and engage communities in conservation education. “A healthy, thriving environment is not a luxury. It is a necessity for our survival as an island destination,” Anderson said.
The fund has also played a vital role in national recovery efforts, from disaster relief to post-crisis reconstruction. Anderson recognized the recent devastation caused by hurricane in Jamaica, noting that the SLHTA and its hospitality colleagues were actively providing support. “Every dollar collected through the fund carries the potential to restore dignity, inspire hope, and build resilience,” he said.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the fund, Anderson said, has been its investment in people. Through training and certification programs, the fund equips Saint Lucians to not only participate in the tourism industry but to lead it. “The future of tourism depends on the skill, confidence, and creativity of our people,” he emphasized.
Celebrating the spirit of collaboration and innovation, Anderson described the Chef’s Table Luncheon as a platform where the private sector, policymakers, and civil society come together to share ideas, forge partnerships, and advance national dialogue. “It is around these tables that friendships are formed, projects are imagined, and strategies refined,” he said.
The luncheon will feature updates from the Ministry of Tourism on the state of the industry and provide final insights on key ongoing initiatives.