Dr Hilaire says the decreased room availability is one of the challenges the sector will be facing in 2024.

“Already, St. James Club, which has almost 350 rooms, is not on the market right now. And we're expecting the middle of the year for both Mystique and Starfish also to close for the new construction to start. So you're really talking about almost 900 rooms off the market right now, and that will put a lot of stress on us,” Dr Hilaire explained.

The Tourism Minister said the government hopes to increase the number of rooms on island in the coming years.

“But there's a huge demand for rooms in Saint Lucia. So as we prepare to get more room stock, we will go through a challenging period. But, we expect in the next two to three years, to add about a thousand new rooms in Saint Lucia which is a desirable state that we want to achieve,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Hilaire says the industry is set to experience gains in the coming months.

“We’re expecting the cruise passengers' infrastructure to improve with the GPH project being implemented. The developments in Port Castries and of course you know that we will be doing some dredging at Pointe Seraphine; the boardwalk will provide an entirely new experience and the amphitheatre at Serenity Park; the new vendors’ arcade; the fishermen’s village and the redevelopment of the Soufriere Waterfront will [upgrade] Saint Lucia’s infrastructure,” he said.

The Tourism Minister added that the government will improve the home accommodation services provided at the local level at guesthouses and inns.