Saint Lucia Experiences a Surge in Midwestern Visitors as Arrivals from the U.S. Continue to Climb

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. June 15, 2016

SAINT LUCIA, CB. June 15, 2016 - On the heels of United Airlines December launch of non-stop service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Saint Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), visitor arrivals from the Midwest region have increased by a record-breaking 15 percent January through April of 2016.

Overall travel from the United States experienced a 4.9 percent increase January through April, maintaining its position as Saint Lucia's key source market by welcoming more than 56,000 visitors. The month of April led the first four months of the year with a nearly nine percent (8.6%) increase in American tourist arrivals compared to 2015.

“It is exciting to see the direct correlation between United Airline's new service from Chicago and the increase of American visitors from the Midwest region,” explains Director of Tourism Louis Lewis. ”Combined with the ongoing hotel development projects and new direct flights, Saint Lucia is primed to welcome new and repeat visitors.”

Saint Lucian hoteliers have embarked on a series of development and renovation projects across the island including Rex Resorts, Royalton Luxury Resorts, and the Harbor Club on the Rodney Bay Marina, which will result in the addition of more than 700 new rooms by the end of 2016.

“Together with our hotel partners we strive to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, which begins before they even step on the island,” says Tracey Warner-Arnold, deputy director of tourism. “The recent launch of a new destination website gives visitors access to a dynamic and responsive site with a map explorer component that highlights hotels, local restaurants, and a variety of activities throughout the island, including special markets such as weddings.”

Warner-Arnold noted that the Tourist Board has developed specialized campaigns designed to grow niche markets such as “Saint Lucia Rocks This Summer” for families and Chocolate Heritage Month in August to spotlight the island's cocoa history and culinary strengths.

For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit http://www.stlucia.org/.

About Saint Lucia

One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. Saint Lucia also is home to world class cruise and yachting facilities. The island is continually recognized as one of the Leading Wedding and Honeymoon destinations worldwide.

Media Contacts:
Ayana Young | Stephanie Strommer
Redpoint Marketing PR, Inc.
[email protected] | [email protected]
212-229-0119