Reflecting on the CTA’s journey since its establishment, Garde said the agency has seen a surge in interest and participation from Saint Lucians across the island.
“It’s been a wonderful experience. From three years ago until now, we’ve seen participation from Saint Lucians islandwide. There are a lot of Saint Lucians interested, excited, and hungry to create their own experiences within their communities, to show up and showcase where they’re from,” she explained.
Garde noted that the CTA is now working with community tourism practitioners from Gros Islet to Vieux Fort, north, south, east, and west. Last week, the agency hosted a major forum bringing together participants at all stages of development, from fully launched operators to those with projects in the pipeline, as well as individuals still refining ideas.
According to her, the goal was inspiration and connection.
“They came in and connected with three featured clients who have already launched. It was a moment to motivate those still building or just starting out.”
The agency currently has over 300 community tourism projects on its radar, with nearly 100 actively engaged. To date, the CTA has facilitated close to $3 million in loans to Saint Lucians building out their community-based experiences.
Garde said these projects span across food and beverage, accommodation, and unique experiential offerings, from cultural immersion activities to high-adventure excursions.
One standout example is Eastern Exotic ATV Tours in Dennery, an experience she says takes visitors through the community, across the Mabouya Valley, and into local spaces such as farms and the rastafarian community.
“Tourists get to see the communities, stop at a farmer, learn how products are made. It’s a really impressive product,” she said.
Coming out of Caribbean Week and Caribbean Marketplace earlier this year, regional tourism leaders recommended that Caribbean countries adopt and formalize community-based tourism, a model long embraced and institutionalized in Saint Lucia.
Garde said this recognition reinforces Saint Lucia’s leading role.
“Saint Lucia is way ahead. We are the first island with actual legislation and an agency dedicated to community tourism. The structure is in place, that’s what sets us apart.”
She added that while every island has its own authentic identity and unique community offerings, Saint Lucia’s advantage lies in its early start and organized national framework that supports, finances, and grows community-based initiatives.
“Other islands are looking at us because the structure we have is exactly what’s needed to facilitate growth and movement in community-based tourism,” she said.
As the CTA moves into its fourth year, Garde says the focus remains on empowering communities, supporting new entrepreneurs, and ensuring Saint Lucia continues to lead the Caribbean in sustainable, people-centered tourism development.