The dialogue emphasised the significance of green investment and business development, with a central focus on involving local communities more comprehensively in the tourism landscape. Tourism Minister, Hon. Ernest Hilaire, stressed the objective of ensuring that citizens directly partake in the advantages of the tourism industry. The policy measures discussed aim to create opportunities for residents to reap the benefits of tourism.
“We want a tourism industry that centres around people…we believe that if our people can see that they are benefiting from tourism - that it’s not just for some but for all. The more people we can get benefiting from it the more sustainable it will be,” Hilaire said. According to the Tourism Minister, the government is taking proactive measures to expand the ambits of the tourism sector. “We have actually outlined some deliberate programmes. Community Tourism is one. We have the Tourism Development Bill which will be going to the House next week for its first reading. In that bill, we’ve made provisions that will encourage a sustainable tourism product. There are multiple dimensions in which we’ve been pushing that agenda for sustainable tourism.”
With Creole Heritage Month celebrations due to commence soon, Dr. Hilaire adds that the Ministry is increasing the marketing of the island’s cultural activities. “We’ve also elevated the profile of our cultural events - La Rose and La Marguerite, Emancipation, and Creole Heritage Month. Again, all of that is part of ensuring that our culture becomes part of the sustainable tourism product.”
Agriculture Minister, Hon. Alfred Prospere also highlighted the importance of the linkages between tourism and agriculture. According to Prospere, Saint Lucia has tremendous potential for eco-tourism. “Our forest reserve has tremendous potential for eco-tourism. the tourism industry has benefited quite a bit from all of the activities the department has undertaken in terms of bird watching, river bathing, et cetera. We have nine trails being currently operated and I just wish that we could see greater investment, greater private sector investment in eco-tourism,” he explained.
At the recent World Travel Awards for Latin America and the Caribbean, Saint Lucia won the prize for Leading Nature Destination. The Tourism Minister says Saint Lucia will continue marking itself as a destination for sustainable tourism.